Fall Back

Staying on Track When Daylight Savings Time Ends

In the fall, we turn our clocks back an hour to mark the end of daylight savings time, this year on November 4. While many of us look forward to getting the extra hour of sleep, adjusting to time change is different for everyone. Some people adapt within a few days, while others adjust over several weeks or longer.

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So how do you help your body adjust to the time change? Here are a few ways you can help keep your sleep rhythm on track –

  1. Wake up early: Sunlight shining early in the morning can help you adjust.
  2. Don’t take naps: Try to avoid taking naps. If you must take a nap, try to keep it to 20 minutes or less.
  3. Avoid coffee and alcohol: Try to stay away from beverages with caffeine at least four to six hours before bedtime. Alcohol can keep you from quality sleep, so stay away from it at night.
  4. Turn off electronics: Use the bed only for sleeping. This means no electronic, TV watching or eating. Getting into bed to sleep tells your brain it is the place to sleep.
Source: cdc.gov.