Spring Forward into Daylight Saving With These Sleep Tips
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Spring Forward into Daylight Saving With These Sleep Tips

Daylight saving time starts soon and while many people make the transition easily, others have a more difficult time adjusting to the time change. Some folks find the time change affects their productivity, concentration and physical and mental health.

In the days leading up to the time switch, prepare by going to bed—or putting the kids to bed— a little earlier each night. 15 minutes earlier each night will ease you or the kids into the change.

Before the clock springs forward, do everything you can to sleep well on the nights leading up to the change. If you’re sleep-deprived heading into daylight saving weekend, the time change will hit you harder.

On the Saturday night before the time change, set all your clocks ahead before you go to bed. Of course, most cell phones and other devices automatically update overnight, but take care to change the time on the microwave, for example, and any analog clocks you might have. This will help set you up for a successful Sunday.

Pay attention to when and what you eat. Having dinner earlier in the evening helps your body prepare for bedtime. Avoid spicy or fatty foods, as they can lead to indigestion and insomnia. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol later in the day, too.

On Sunday and the days immediately after the time change, spend some time outside in the sunshine. The sunlight will help your body reset its internal clock, which controls your sleep-wake schedule.

If you know you’re sensitive to the time change, plan for a leisurely day on time change Sunday, and don’t schedule any major meetings for early in the week following. Plan to do important projects later in the week, when you’ve had time to adjust.

If the time change hits you hard, you might find relief in a short nap on Sunday or the days following. Naps are best in the early afternoon, and keep the nap to less than 30 minutes. If you nap too late in the day or for too long, you’ll have trouble sleeping at night.

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