Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that’s been around for over a century, and it’s still a hotly debated topic. While it’s meant to give us an extra hour of daylight during the summer months, it can also disrupt our sleep schedules and cause fatigue. Here are some tips on how to adjust to DST, which is happening this Sunday, March 12th.
Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule In the days leading up to DST, try going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you’ve adjusted to the time change. This will help your body acclimate to the new schedule without the shock of a sudden one-hour difference.
Get Plenty of Sunlight Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s natural clock. Try to get outside and expose yourself to natural light during the day. This can help reset your body’s clock and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep, so it’s best to limit your intake in the days leading up to DST. Try to avoid caffeine after noon, and avoid alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Stick to a Routine Keeping a consistent sleep schedule is important for getting a good night’s sleep. Try to stick to a routine, even on weekends. This can help regulate your body’s clock and make it easier to fall asleep and wake up on time.
Be Patient It can take a few days for your body to adjust to the time change, so be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to feel completely back to normal right away. Give yourself time to adjust and focus on getting plenty of rest and sticking to a healthy routine.
Additionally, consider making your bedroom as comfortable and conducive to sleep as possible by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Prioritizing sleep and implementing these strategies can help make the transition to DST smoother and healthier for you. Remember that the change is happening this Sunday, March 12th, so be prepared and take good care of yourself.
