Tips For Dealing With Daylight Saving

by Susi May 6

Early Sunday morning, at 2 a.m. on Nov. 4 to be exact, the time changes. It is the end of daylight saving time, so we "fall back" an hour; before you hit the hay on Saturday night, move that hour hand backward. And although sleep experts believe "falling back" and gaining an hour in Fall is easier than losing an hour in Spring, it will still take your body a few days to acclimate to the time change. Here are a few tips to keep the change from adversely affecting your sleep habits:

• As much as it may seem like a good idea, avoid drinking extra caffeine for a few days after the time shift.
• Similar to avoiding that extra cup of joe, you should avoid taking a nap. Napping can interfere with your ability to fall asleep at the proper bedtime.
• Catch early-morning rays. Sunlight helps wake you up naturally. Take advantage of the extra morning sunlight with an early-morning run, or just bask in the sunlight through a window.
• Help your body adjust naturally to your new sleep cycle by shutting off electronics at night. The artificial light from your TV, laptop, and tablet can hamper your body's ability to adjust to its own circadian rhythm.
• Don't get behind the wheel if you're feeling sleepy. Driving and dozing is a dangerous thing.