The Dos and Don’ts of Adjusting to Daylight Saving

Ways to avoid tiredness and get your body’s clock used to the time change

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

March 12, 2021

Daylight saving time starts this Sunday, that means time to set our clocks forward an hour. While we get to enjoy more sunlight in the morning and at night,  “springing forward” also causes us to lose an hour of sleep Sunday morning and that loss can cause some stress to our bodies. Here are some ways to adjust.

Don’t Change Your Sleep Schedule
Keeping your bedtime consistent will actually help your body adjust faster to the lost hour. Don’t go to bed later just because you’re not tired yet, because the next day you will be extra tired when you have to wake up earlier.

Do Nap (but keep it short)
If you are feeling overly tired during the day, you can take a nap but keep it to 20 minutes or less. Napping for any longer than that can leave you feeling sleepier than before. A brief cat nap can give your body a little recharge.

Don’t Use Your Phone at Bedtime
Scrolling on social media, watching TV, or reading on a tablet can stimulate your brain, making it harder to fall asleep. To wind down better put away the screens about an hour before bedtime.

Do Exercise
Make sure to move during the day. Getting a workout or some physical activity will help your body rest better. Since you have an hour more of sunlight enjoy an evening run or walk.

Don’t Over-caffeinate
Since we are losing an hour you might be tempted to grab a cup of joe during that midday slump. However, it can keep you up at night and throw off your sleeping schedule even more.

Do Get Sunlight
To get your body’s clock back in tune try to get sunlight first thing in the morning when you wake up. Fifteen minutes of morning light will help suppress melatonin secretion, which awakens the body.