Embracing Daylight Savings: Your Guide to a Healthy Transition

It’s time to spring into action and prepare for that delightful shift in our clocks. While the extra daylight sounds like a beautiful start to Spring, the transition can sometimes leave us feeling a bit tired. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the extra daylight sunshine without feeling groggy!

Start adjusting bedtime early: Instead of waiting until the night of the time change, begin gradually shifting bedtime a few days beforehand. Start by moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night (or later, depending on the time change), gradually working your way to the new schedule.

Maintain a consistent bedtime routine: A consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Stick to familiar activities such as reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to calming music to help ease the transition.

Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to limit screen time in the hours leading up to bedtime, and encourage quieter, screen-free activities instead.

Adjust meal and activity times: To help your body adjust to the new schedule, consider adjusting meal and activity times accordingly. Aim to have dinner a little earlier than usual, and try to schedule any stimulating activities earlier in the day to avoid disrupting bedtime.

Soak up the sun and stay active: Take advantage of that extra daylight and vitamin D by spending some time soaking up the sun and staying active. Vitamin D can go a long way toward boosting your mood and regulating your sleep cycle. Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health but can also do wonders for sleep quality.

Be patient and flexible: Remember that it may take some time for you to adjust to the new schedule, so be patient and flexible during the transition.

With a little preparation and a whole lot of positivity, you’ll be breezing through daylight savings like a champ!

This blog was written by Pediatric Associates’ affiliate office Coastal Kids’ ‘Amy’ Sejung Kim, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC