Time Change Tips: 5 Ways to Make Daylight Saving Time Easy
It’s once again time to spring forward for daylight saving time! During the spring, we lose an hour of sleep by setting our clocks ahead. When you’re already behind on rest, this hour can seem like a lot to lose – but these easy tips can help you and your family make the adjustment with ease!
5 Ways to Get Ready for Daylight Saving Time
- Ease into earlier bedtimes and waking times. 4 days before the time change, start going to sleep and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day.
- Get exposure to daylight as soon as possible. Once you’re awake, step outside and get some sunshine. Daylight helps us wake up and helps prime our brains for a normal circadian rhythm, which determines our waking and sleeping patterns.
- Avoid drinking caffeine too close to bedtime.
- After eating, allow 2-3 hours to go by before you go to bed.
- Turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
About the Author
Carmen Dohmeier, MD, a member of Cone Health Medical Group, is a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Guilford Neurologic Associates.
