The Impact of Daylight Savings Time on Sleep
Daylight Savings Time (DST) affects us all and it can have a major impact on our sleep. DST causes a disruption in our regular sleep schedule, affecting the quality of our rest. For people who have pre-existing sleep problems, this disruption can make their sleep disorder even worse.
Additional daylight hours during the evening hours can also mean more outdoor activities. This could lead to less time spent winding down and preparing for sleep. It can also make it harder to stick to a regular sleep schedule because of the sunny evenings.
Evidence from research has shown that a disruption in our sleep can have a broad range of negative long-term effects, from difficulty concentrating to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Studies have revealed that DST can also worsen some medical conditions like asthma and arthritic joint pain.
Tips on How to Cope with Daylight Savings Time
The effects of Daylight Savings Time can leave us feeling out of sorts and completely exhausted. Here are some simple tips to help you adjust to DST:
Make sure to keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. This will help your body adjust to the changes in the sleep schedule. Avoid exceeding the recommended amount of sleep and try to stick to 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
Limit your exposure to the extra sunlight during evening hours. Drawing the curtains and avoiding going outside for too long can help preserve your body clock. Even a small amount of light can disrupt your body’s sleep cycle. Additionally, avoid napping during the day as it can affect your regular bedtime.
Taking Adrenal Supplements to Promote Sleep
Adrenal supplements can help restore balance to your circadian rhythm. These supplements are available in the form of pills, capsules, liquids, or therapeutic serums. The adrenal glands are known to help control the body’s sleep/awake cycle. Adrenal supplements can help restore balance in your adrenal glands and help restore regularity to your sleep cycle.
The most important thing when taking adrenal supplements is to seek out guidance from a doctor or healthcare provider. Adrenal supplements are not intended to replace regular, doctor-recommended treatment, but rather are intended to help ease the transition into a routine sleep cycle.
Making Lifestyle Changes to Promote Sleep
Making a few lifestyle changes can also help promote sleep when the Daylight Savings Time changes come around. Here are some tips to help you adjust:
- Avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening
- Introduce relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation for 30 minutes before bedtime
- Avoid watching television or being on devices at least half an hour before bedtime
- Use an eye mask or blackout curtains to block out excess light
- Exercise regularly, preferably during the day and not too close to bedtime
Conclusion
Daylight Savings Time can be a disruptive force on our body clocks. It’s important to be mindful of our lifestyle choices in order to promote better sleep. Adjusting to DST with some simple lifestyle changes, taking adrenal supplements and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can help make the transition easier and help you get the restful sleep you need.