Studies have shown that the annual ritual of turning clocks ahead (or back) can throw us out of rhythm having negative effects on our health, sleep habits, and lifestyle. How well we adapt to these time changes depends on a variety of things, but there are a few simple actions you can take to adapt a bit more quickly.
- Adjust your sleep time to go to bed about 20 minutes earlier for each of the three nights prior to the change to DST. You should make the same change for your children as well.
- Go outside for a walk on Sunday morning. The bright sunlight will help reset your internal clock and the morning exercise will be helpful as well.
- Avoid eating dinner or drinking alcohol too close to bedtime.
- Avoid taking naps late in the day.
- Don’t forget about your pets! Change their schedule (such as walking and feeding) gradually over the three days before and three days after the change to DST.
OH – AND IT WILL BE ESPECIALLY HELPFUL TO REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS
FORWARD ONE HOUR ON MARCH 8!
