Your body has an internal clock and that clock syncs itself to time.
Time may not be just hours on a clock either but also includes changes in the sun and the moon.
This is why people tend to have a hard time adjusting when the time changes in the fall and spring.
Not only does the time change but days either get shorter or longer and that sends messages to your body.
However, there are ways to adjust to the changing time.
This is important because you could suffer from sleep deprivation if you don’t adjust quickly.
1. Plan for gradual adjustment.
You know when the clocks change, so plan a gradual adjustment.
The day of the time change will be a shock to your system and your body will have a rough time of it unless you build up to it.
Start gradually setting your bedtime routine a little earlier so that you will go to sleep easier when the clock changes.
You will also want to start shifting your wake-up time a little too so you won’t feel so draggy that first day.
Making small 15-minute changes in your sleep schedule will make a big difference when it starts getting
darker earlier.
2. Don’t be afraid to take a nap.
The first couple of weeks of a time change will naturally make you feel more tired.
It’s okay to take a quick nap in the afternoon or evening as long as you don’t sleep too long. Keep it between 10 and 30 minutes.
3. Get some sunshine.
Your body needs sunshine for many reasons.
Vitamin D helps ward off many illnesses and the sun has a positive effect on your circadian rhythm.
Get some morning sun and some later in the day.
Morning light is best to beat the “fall back” effects while afternoon light is good for combating the
“spring forward” adjustment.
You can conquer time-changing issues so many people have in the fall and spring.
It just takes a little planning and discipline to keep your sleep from being vastly affected.
