This Sunday, March 13th is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time and it will end on Sunday, November 6th. In the Spring, clocks will be moved ahead one hour and moved back one hour in the Fall. According to the CDC, this time shift can take about one week for our bodies to adjust to a new schedule. Until you have adjusted you may experience trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or even waking up at the right time. Being sleep deprived can be a major health risk and each year, there are reports of heart attacks and car wrecks during the week after the time changes in both the Spring and Fall. You can, however, acclimate by preparing a week and a half before the time change in the Spring and Fall.
Tips for the Time Change:
- Consider reducing demanding physical and mental tasks as much as possible the first week of the time change to allow yourself time to adjust.
- Be especially vigilant while driving since you or others may be sleepier and at risk for making a driving error that results in a wreck.
- For the Spring time change, starting about 3 days before to gradually move up the timing of waking and bedtime, meals, and exercise by 15-20 minutes earlier each day.
- For the Fall time change, starting about 3 days before to gradually move up the timing of waking and bedtime, meals, and exercise by 15-20 minutes later each day.
- Make it a priority to get enouch sleep and be well rested several days before the time change.
You might also enjoy:
5 Healthy Habits to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
5 Tips to Stay on Track When Routines Change
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