Don’t Let your Sleep Suffer from Daylight Savings

In just a few days, the clocks will all fall back an hour thanks to the daylight savings time change. So while you actually gain an extra hour of sleep, this tends to wreak havoc on many people’s sleep schedules.

Many people have a hard time transitioning their sleep habits to the new time, and insomnia is very common with a time change. But there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for this time change and adjust your sleeping schedule flawlessly.

Transition slowly

Sure, that extra hour may sound beneficial, but not so much when you find yourself waking up an hour earlier than normal. A few days before the time change, it may be helpful to push your bedtime ahead by increments of just 10-15 minutes each day to make the transition smoother. If necessary, you may also find that a short nap during the day may be beneficial, just to get your sleep schedule back on track.

Don’t deviate from your sleep routine

Even in a time change, sticking to the same sleep routine and practicing good sleep hygiene is important to help you adjust when the clocks go back, and prepare your body for a good night’s sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages and large meals close to bedtime and limit the use of electronics. Keep your bedroom dark and slightly cool and get rid of anything distracting you from sleeping.  

Get outside!

Getting in some sunshine will help your biological clock to better adjust to the time change, not to mention the huge benefits that regular exercise has on your sleep cycle. Although the weather is getting cooler, try and get outside for a 20-30 minute walk per day. If that can’t be done, try and get some sunlight into your home by opening the blinds in the morning.