I don't know about you but I get excited for daylight savings time in the spring! The joy of being able to spend time with the sun a little longer is so refreshing. No more sun setting at 4:30PM yuck!
However, springing forward doesn't just affect your schedule but it affects your body as well. Losing that one hour of sleep can make a signifiant difference in your sleep routine and leave you feeling groggy and irritable.
“In a nation that is already sleep deprived, losing an extra hour can make a huge impact,” says sleep specialist Harneet Walia, MD.
Adjusting to the time change is different for everyone. Some people adjust in a few days; for others, it takes more time. If you fall into one of these categories then check out these five tips below that help your body adjust to the daylight savings time.
1. Continue Going To Bed & Waking Up At The Same Time
It's important to get seven hours of sleep if possible because lack of sleep tells the body to store fat and who really wants that, especially since summer is around the corner. I know it's very tempting to stay up later but it’s in your best interest to keep your bed times consistent. The closer you stick to your normal routine, the faster your body will adjust to the time change.
2. Naps Are Your Friend
Who said naps are just for the kids?! If you're having a hard time getting in enough hours of sleep at night it's healthier for your body to give in to a short nap throughout the day. However, let me point out 20-30 minute naps are best NOT long drawn out naps. When you awake from your nap try going outside into the natural sunlight to cue your body and help retrain your inner clock.
3. Keep Your Dinnertime Consistent
Our sleep cycle and our eating patterns affect each other. if possible try eating at the same time or even eat a little early. Add more fish, nuts, and other sources of protein to your grocery list and word of advice avoid the pasta.
4. Continue Good Habits Before Bed
Springing forward in time means more sunlight and more desire to be outside, however don't neglect your bedtime meditation practices or habits that help you settle down at night. Try to avoid alcohol in the evening. If you are exercising, avoid workouts within four hours of bedtime because raising your body’s core temperature can make it harder to fall asleep. Remember to slow your body down.
5. Prepare Early
About a week before “springing forward,” doctors recommend that you start going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier than your usual bedtime. Your body needs that bit of extra time to make up for the lost hour. If you get in the rhythm of this early it won't catch you off guard.