Does the thought of the time “springing forward” in March cause you to want to bury your head in the blankets?
You’re not alone! The disruption to sleep patterns will be felt by over three hundred million people!
If you’re one of those who will feel the change, take heart! There are a few things you can do that will make the transition easier!
My Story
Twice a year, our family has an almost comical debate about whether we will be “losing an hour” or “gaining an hour” of sleep.
And each time someone gets a reminder about “springing forward” and “falling back”.
This particular year, my oldest daughter’s family is experiencing lots of life changes.
One is transitioning from a fairly flexible morning routine to a more structured routine involving a hard and fast starting time.
I laughingly reminded her that on Sunday the clocks “spring forward”, and on Monday she would technically be required to be present at 7:00 a.m.
What followed was a comical bubble of almost hysteria. She is floundering with an onslaught of life changes, and the time change will just make things a bit more difficult.
While I can’t help with their life transition, I can offer a few tips and tricks to make adapting to daylight saving time just a tad bit easier.
Sleep Well Before Daylight Saving Time Starts
On the day before, or even the days before, make sure you get plenty of sleep.
If you’re already sleep deprived when the clock springs forward, it only gets worse from there.
Rise and Shine at a Normal Time
Resist the temptation to sleep in.
Get up and get going on Sunday as though it’s a Monday.
The goal is to normalize your schedule as soon as possible.
Sleeping late on Sunday increases the risk of not being tired enough to go to bed on Sunday evening.
And so, the cycle begins.
Head to Bed at Your Normal Time
The temptation to stay up will be great.
After all, in all likelihood, you won’t be too tired at the time you normally go to bed.
Go to bed anyway. Read and relax until you’re drowsy.
This is not the time for screen time. Screen time is a stimulant that keeps on giving long after you close your eyes.
Get as Much Sun as Possible
Sunlight is crucial to setting your internal clock.
Getting plenty of sunlight helps your body to adapt to the new normal of light and dark.
Prep the Bedroom
Create a sleep friendly bedroom, a room conducive to getting a good night’s sleep.
Turn off blinking lights, cover the windows.
Block out the light.
Even clean the room.
Whatever it takes for your bedroom to begat calm and peace when your head hits the pillow.
Does the thought of “springing forward” make you want to bury your head in the blankets?
Take heart and take action!
With a little prep work, the transition will go off just like clockwork!
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TAKE ACTION!!!
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