Our 5 Strategies for Handling Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice that is observed by many countries around the world, in which the clocks are set ahead by one hour during the summer months in order to extend the amount of daylight in the evenings. While DST can be a great way to make the most of the longer, warmer days, it can also be disruptive to our natural sleep patterns and routines. Here are five strategies for handling Daylight Saving Time: Gradually adjust your bedtime and wake-up time: One of the best ways to handle the time change is to gradually adjust your bedtime and wake-up time over the course of a few days. Start by going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier or later than you normally would, and gradually increase the difference over the course of a few days. This can help your body to gradually adjust to the new schedule, making it easier to transition to DST. Get plenty of natural light: Exposure to natural light can help to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as your circadian rhythm. Try to get as much natural light as possible during the day, especially in the morning, to help your body adjust to the time change. Avoid screens before bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, or use a blue light filter to minimize the impact on your sleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: A relaxing bedtime routine can help to signal to your body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This might include activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Be patient: It can take a few days or even up to a week for your body to fully adjust to the time change, so be patient and give yourself time to adapt. If you are having trouble sleeping or are feeling particularly tired, it can also be helpful to take a short nap during the day to help boost your energy levels. Overall, handling Daylight Saving Time can be challenging, but with a little bit of preparation and a few simple strategies, you can make the transition as smooth as possible.