Surviving the End of Daylight Savings

This weekend, Sunday November 6th at 2 am, Daylight Savings Time will end and we will all travel back in time one hour, meaning you get to sleep in and yes, it might be dark when you go home from work for awhile. Some people have an easy time adjusting to the time change while others tend to struggle the first couple days. In order to help the transition from “springing forward” to “falling back” try some of these easy tips:

Eat Well and Exercise Often An active lifestyle and a healthy diet can work wonders for your sleep. So grab a friend, your dog or your favorite playlist and get outside for some fresh air and exercise. And dig into a breakfast packed with whole grains and protein to keep you energized through the 25-hour day. An extra hour means you have an extra hour to better take care of yourself. Try to Get to Bed at a Decent Time Sunday Knowing that you’ll get an extra hour of sleep try to use some time to set up your room as your sleeping oasis. Whatever it is that helps you sleep best should be present in your room. Also try to hit the sack at your usual bedtime, even though it will be dark one hour earlier and you know you have an extra to sleep. Try a Low Dose of Melatonin While light synchronizes the body clock in the morning, the hormone melatonin updates it at night. The exact function of the hormone, produced by the pineal gland in the middle of the brain, is unclear. But it can activate melatonin receptors on the neurons of the body clock, acting as a chemical signal for bedtime. Taking a low dose of melatonin in the evening can help sync the sleep-wake and light-dark cycles. Know that Adjusting Takes Time It might take a few days to feel 100 percent normal, but don’t worry: Your body will adjust to the new light-dark cycle. Everyone is different so don’t fret if your coworkers, friends and family seem to be adjusting quicker than you.