Adjust Your Sleep Schedule for Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time arrives twice a year, meaning it’s time to adjust your body’s clock. By making small changes to your sleeping habits ahead of time, you can adjust your internal clock to get the most of DST.
Starting with a few days before the time change, make sure you are transitioning your body to an earlier bedtime. Setting a consistent sleep schedule is key for a successful transition. Begin to reduce the amount of caffeine and sugary foods that you consume in the evening. This will help your body easier adjust to the time shift.
If you have been struggling to get good rest the night before the time change, try taking a nap in the afternoon. This will help catch up on some rest and also your body will be prepared for the sooner night that comes with the change in time.
Light Exposure is Important for Progression
The main factor that helps your body adjust to the time change is light exposure. During daylight saving, try and expose yourself to as much natural light as possible. This will help your body recognize that there is a change happening and also will help you adjust earlier.
Right after the time change, your body may still feel groggy. Light therapy is a helpful natural way to adjust and can reduce the number of days it takes. Going on a quick walk in the morning will also help and make you alert and refreshed.
Sleep Schedule Sticking After the Time Change
Once you’ve set a good sleep schedule, it’s important to stick to it. Once established, it will make going back to normal after Daylight Saving much easier on your body.
Recognizing the importance of sleep will also help your body better adjust. Prioritizing 7-8 hours of sleep a night is important for not only adjusting during the time change, but keeping a refreshed, alert body the rest of the year.
Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time
- Set a consistent sleep schedule a few days before the time change.
- Reduce caffeine and sugary foods in the evening.
- Take a nap in the afternoon if needed the day before the time change.
- Expose yourself to natural light in the morning.
- Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
Conclusion
By making small changes to your routine and keeping a consistent sleep schedule, it will make adjusting to Daylight Saving Time much easier. Prioritizing sleep is key for adjusting to the time shift and keeping your body refreshed and alert. Taking small steps ahead of time will help your body adjust and make going back to normal a smoother transition.