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Daylight Saving Time (DST) is still observed in many countriesand it signals the start of spring where we “spring forward” bysetting our clocks forward by one hour. (Note: It’s Daylight SavingTime, not Daylight Savings Time. Just to be accurate)
This ultimately gives us more time in the sun, but hurts us byrobbing us of an hour of sleep. This loss of sleep can be verydifficult on our minds and bodies. So here, I’m going to show whathappens as well as what we can do about it.
The Effects of Losing Sleep
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Change in Mood
We become sensitive and moody and much more reactive toeverything around us when we lose sleep. That’s why people are moreangry and irritable during Daylight Saving Time.
Increased Car Accidents
Studies show that driving drowsy hinders driving skills almostas much as intoxication (read: drunk). The Monday after DaylightSaving Time begins, car accidents increase 6 percent resulting inmore than 300 extra deaths.
Decreased Productivity
Losing sleep affects memory and concentration. Studies show anincrease in “cyberloafing,” right after Daylight Saving Timebegins. Cyberloafing is when people simply wasted time online. Thisaffects students and working people.
Workplace Injuries
Since losing sleep affects memory and concentration, there arefar more workplace injuries during this time as well. Not only arethe injuries more common, but they tend to be much more severe.
Heart Trouble
Some studies showed a correlation between cardiovascular healthand the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. Strokes and short-termheart attacks increased during the 2 days following the timechange. Now, this is correlation and not causation, but propersleep is crucial to good overall health.
“So what can I do?”
So in order to avoid these problems, here’s what you can do tomake sure you’re prepared and get a good night’s rest, even withthe jump forward.
Change your sleep schedule early!
Begin adjusting your sleep schedule in advance. This shouldstart about 1 week before the time change. Plan your bedtime about15-20 minutes earlier each night. Also, start waking up 15-20minutes earlier than usual. By the time the “spring forward”happens, you’ll be waking up an hour earlier.
Avoid caffeine later in the day!
You’ll want to avoid caffeine and other stimulants which cankeep you awake. So that means no coffee, no tea, no soda at least 4hours before going to bed.
Avoid Alcohol!
Alcohol can help you fall asleep, but it will stop you fromhaving good quality REM sleep. Skip the nightcap.
Try not to take naps!
Taking naps can also affect your sleep cycle. This is not thetime to be messing around with that. Get uninterrupted sleep atnight, if possible.
Get some natural light!
Sunlight helps stimulate a particular part of the brain calledthe suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Basically, ithelps regulate your sleep. Get some sun early and not later to getbetter sleep.
Turn OFF the tech!
There are studies about blue light from screens affecting sleep,but it really is about being exposed to artificial light. To helpadjust your sleep schedule (and for good sleep overall) make sureto turn off your phone, tablet, and TV at least an hour before yourscheduled bedtime.
So there you go. My tips on how to manage Daylight Saving Time.If you have any other tips, feel free to leave a comment and let meknow what works for you!
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