Here's why your accent might be changing, and why it might be more noticeable at night:
1. Phonetic Drift: Our accents naturally shift throughout life, influenced by the people we spend time with, the media we consume, and our personal journey. It's possible you're experiencing a period of more pronounced accent shifting, especially if you've recently moved or are exposed to more American English.
2. Familial Influences: If your family has also shifted towards a more American accent, you're likely being influenced by them. This is a common pattern in families who migrate or live in multi-lingual environments.
3. Nighttime Amplification: There's a theory that our accents might be slightly more pronounced at night because we're more relaxed and less self-conscious. This means any subtle shifts in your accent might be more noticeable during evening hours.
4. Cognitive Load: When we're tired, our brain might not process language as precisely, leading to more noticeable accent variations.
5. Personal Factors: There might be other factors at play, such as:
* Stress or anxiety: These can affect our speech patterns.
* Language learning: If you're actively learning American English, you might be subconsciously incorporating new sounds and pronunciations.
* Social conditioning: Our accents can be influenced by our perception of how we "should" sound in different settings or around different people.
What can you do?
* Observe: Pay attention to when and how your accent changes. This can help you identify potential triggers.
* Practice: If you prefer a particular accent, practice speaking in that way regularly.
* Be Patient: Accent shifting is a gradual process. Give yourself time to adjust and find your own "voice."
Important Note: If you're concerned about your accent changing, it's always a good idea to talk to a speech therapist or linguist. They can help you understand the reasons behind the changes and provide personalized advice.