March 06, 2024
3 Tips to Cope with Daylight Saving Time, by Sarah Moe, Sleep Expert and AMEC Member
It’s happening again. Twice a year, Daylight Saving Time disrupts our sleep patterns. It throws many households into chaos by disrupting their trusted routine and internal clocks, which regulate all physiological processes. It is also linked to an increase in heart attacks and traffic accidents the day after we change our clocks. But there are easy ways to mitigate any adverse impact and “Spring Forward” more naturally and safely this weekend:
1. Plan ahead
Starting on Thursday or Friday night, commit to a bedtime that is about 30 minutes earlier than usual. Follow the same pattern on Saturday night as well. Easing into the process makes it feel less disruptive to our systems. On Monday morning, you can start your day rested and feel confident about driving safely.
2. Move up dinner time
Food is another major driver of our circadian rhythms. When we eat too close to bedtime, our bodies spend all of our energy on the digestion process instead of the sleep initiation process. Eat dinner a bit earlier before the weekend as you adjust your bedtime.
3. Begin your day with sunlight
Despite the fact that some circadian rhythm disruption is unavoidable, we can help mitigate its effects with natural sunlight exposure in the early morning hours. Once you wake up on Sunday morning, seek out the sun. Step outside for 15 minutes, take a walk, or if it’s too cold, sit near a window to soak up the rays or do a quick yoga routine from our Wellness Studio.
Spring is a great time to look at our sleep habits in general, and take the needed steps to get more rest. I recommend the Alurx Sleep Collection to help establish a new sleep routine. Try an evening tea ritual or savor a wellness gummy at bedtime and start the new season feeling rested and energized.
