Time Spring Forward…
The dreaded day has come again – daylight saving time has arrived, and with it comes the dreaded “spring forward” of losing an hour of sleep. The mechanism of daylight saving has been in place for more than 100 years, and yet it continues to be as much of an annoyance as ever. It’s estimated that losing an hour of sleep can have a negative effect on our health, leading to increased fatigue and decreased concentration.
If you’re feeling the effects of daylight savings and the lost hour of sleep, there are some things you can do to get back on track. We have 5 tips to help you cope when you get to feeling sluggish this time of year.
- Get Some Sunlight: Sunlight helps to reset our internal clocks, so make sure to get some sun exposure during the day. Taking a walk outside or opening your blinds can help you adjust to the new time. Sunlight helps your body adjust to the new day/night cycle.
- Exercise: Exercise can help to reset your circadian rhythm. It also can help you feel more energized during the day and sleep better at night.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day to help your body adjust and avoid caffeine in the evenings. You should cut off caffeine six hours before bedtime.
- Avoid screens in the bedroom: The light from screens can affect your sleep, so try to avoid using them near bedtime.
- Stick to a bedtime routine: Routine is important when it comes to sleep. Make sure to go to bed and wake up around the same time each day to keep your body in sync.
Daylight saving time can be a difficult adjustment, but with the right strategies you can help minimize the effects of the lost hour of sleep. Remember to take care of yourself and give your body the rest it needs to stay healthy and energized.