Daylight Saving Time Effects on Sleep Health
Fall back. Spring forward. Many people have heard this saying, and it helps us remember which way to set our clocks for the start and end of daylight saving time. Although it would be nice to gain an hour of sleep twice a year, that’s not the case. On March 12, 2023, we will lose an hour of sleep.
Sleep is essential for our bodies to recuperate from the demands of daily life. During the night, our bodies undergo various restorative processes that help us to heal, repair, and rebuild. Adequate sleep helps to regulate hormones, control our appetite, and maintain a healthy immune system. Sleep also plays a vital role in our mental health. Altering your sleep schedule can have a greater effect on your health than you may think, with adverse effects greatest in teenagers and those who have poor sleep habits, to begin with.
To combat this, it is important to practice good sleep hygiene, which includes keeping a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening, and avoiding screens in the evening. Exercising regularly can also help you fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of your sleep. Additionally, light exposure is an important factor in helping to regulate our internal clock, and it is beneficial to expose yourself to natural light during the day and limit artificial light exposure in the evening.
Getting enough quality sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Although daylight saving time may seem to throw a wrench in our sleep routine, that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right habits and techniques, we can ensure that we get quality, restful sleep even when the clocks change.
Like what you’re reading?
Facebook Instagram twitter LinkedIn