Daylight savings time may seem like a great bonus in the fall as you gain an extra hour of sleep, however, it can ultimately complicate your sleep routine leaving room for irritability and other imbalances.  Follow these tips to successfully survive daylight savings time this month:

Don’t use this as an excuse to sleep in:

It’s very tempting to use that extra hour to get some more z’s, but if you have work the next day, it can ruin your sleep schedule for that night. Try to make a plan and promise yourself that you will get 7-8 hours of sleep regardless of the extra hour. Instead of thinking about fall daylight savings as an extra hour of sleep, think of it as an extra hour to get errands done, clean the house, or even do some grocery shopping. Doing this will not only help your sleep schedule but can help you get a jump start to your day.

Make your bedroom lighter:

Earlier sunsets and later sunrises are a major effect of fall daylight savings. When the sun rises later in the day, it can affect sleep because we’re more likely to stay asleep when it is darker. Getting lighter curtains or keeping them open before you go to bed can make your room lighter and make it easier to wake up.

Don’t eat or exercise right before bed:

Ideally, it’s smart and safe to eat and/or exercise at least 2-3 hours before you go to sleep. What you eat can also affect and/or disrupt your sleep routine. Living a healthy lifestyle is always essential but during daylight savings it’s crucial.

Prepare yourself for bed:

Relaxing before bed can help you fall asleep in a natural way. Doing little things like taking a bath, washing your face, or lighting candles can help you fall asleep better which will ultimately make your sleep more comfortable. Doing this may lead to better health and less stress.

Daylight savings is right around the corner. If you have more questions or concerns about your sleep routine and habits, give us a call to speak or meet with a specialist!