The urge to hibernate

It's been consistently cold for a month; colder here on Cape Cod than it was in NYC and cold in longer stretches. While my apartment is adequately heated there are drafts [no storm windows which are really needed]. The sun has been out, sometimes fairly strongly, a few days warm enough to melt snow. But there is no doubt it's the deep center of winter. I am tired of feeling trapped indoor. I took a walk of about a mile this afternoon, all bundled in down and earmuffs. The wind was chilly on my face but I walked fast and got my heart rate up enough that I could feel a thin layer of sweat forming on my torso. It was good to walk even under a gray sky with that nip at my cheeks and nose.

I have plenty of energy during the day, and have never been prone to napping. BUT it gets dark early and I pull the drapes to keep out drafts and settle in for some computer time and then reading as always. However, I find I'm getting sleepy early, say 9:30 instead of 10:30 which is the average time in the summer. And I am happy to den down into the bed under a duvet and a quilt. I am happy to sleep a full eight hours and then perhaps lie snuggled and warm for another half hour only vaguely thinking about getting up and beginning the day, because it is still dark. I understand the hibernation impulse although I get restless and begin craving coffee usually a little before dawn actually comes, or doesn't so much come as the sky just gets lighter gray. Could have I have been a black bear in a previous incarnation?