How To Cope With Daylight Savings Time

It's important to keep sleeping patterns the same during the change to daylight savings time (DST). Here are a few tips for doing that:

1. Start getting to bed earlier.

You can ease your body into the time change by starting your nighttime routine 15 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the start of DST. This can be especially helpful for small children, who often feel the effects of the time change more than adults. Then, turn your clocks forward Saturday morning instead of Sunday morning. Live your day based on that schedule. Allowing two days, rather than a single day before the start of the week can ease the biological transition (your circadian rhythm) to the new time.

2. Be consistent.

Wake up at the same time each morning to keep your sleep cycle more regular. This means even on weekends! Although sleeping in can help you feel more rested in the short-term, it causes difficulties falling asleep and waking up during the week. In fact, getting out of bed at the same time every morning is the single best way to improve sleep and wake functioning. A consistent sleep schedule based on a single pre-determined rise time will help you feel more rested throughout the entire year. Getting up at the same time is far more important than going to bed at the same time, though consistency on bedtime is certainly also important. On the first Sunday of DST, get up at your regular time whether you had a good night's sleep or not. And avoid taking a nap if it's not part of your typical routine.

3. Enjoy the longer evenings.

One great perk about spring and DST is that there is more sunlight in the evenings. Enjoy the natural lighting outside or indoors with your curtains open. Sunlight helps naturally reset your body clock. Letting natural light come into your bedroom in the morning also aids in greater alertness upon awakening.

4. Exercise.

Being physically active is good for your health and it can help you sleep better, too. Go for a walk or run outdoors during daylight where you are exposed to natural sunlight. But try to avoid working out too close to your bedtime. It's best if you can allow at least two hours to "cool down" from exercise before going to bed.

5. Be mindful of what and when you eat and drink.

Eat dinner earlier in the evening to help your body prepare for bedtime. Try to avoid spicy or fatty foods, especially as bedtime is approaching. They can lead to indigestion and insomnia. Avoid caffeine and alcohol later in the day so you fall asleep more easily.

6. Reduce screen time.

Television, tablets and phones may help you unwind for the evening, but they can stimulate your brain and actually make it harder to fall asleep. Try avoiding hand-held screens and computer displays at least two hours before bed, and avoid television at least an hour before bedtime.