How to Combat Daylight Savings Fatigue
As you well know by now, daylight savings time has ended. Our clocks have fallen backward, the sun rises at an obnoxiously early hour, and it starts getting dark at 4 p.m. Whether you love or hate it, the time change takes a toll on all of us—especially our sleep cycles. Namely, the light-dark cycle can influence the timing of your central circadian rhythm. Here are some tips to sleep better (and maximize your health!) now that daylight savings is over.
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
This might be easier said than done, but the most obvious thing to do is adjust the time you wake up and go to bed, especially now that the sun rises and sets earlier. So, try waking up and going to bed a little earlier each day as well.
Avoid Caffeine in the Afternoon
Caffeine is perfectly acceptable in the morning (we love our daily cup of joe around here!), but you should try to avoid caffeine use after 2 or 3 p.m. Drinking caffeine in the afternoon will typically deter you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Increase Light Exposure in the Evening
While blue light from screens is typically frowned upon in the evening and at night, some can actually help shift your circadian rhythm. So go on, catch that last episode of the TV show you’re watching! It may do you some good.
Eat an Early Dinner
Your body naturally releases melatonin in the hours leading up to bedtime, but now that the clocks are set back, your melatonin levels will rise closer to dinnertime until your circadian rhythm adjusts. Eating dinner at an earlier time will help with that adjustment.
Wear a Sleep Mask
With the sun rising earlier, you may find yourself being awakened earlier by the sunshine coming from your windows. Try wearing a sleep mask or get blackout curtains to avoid the early wake-up call.
Let Us Help You Adjust to Daylight Savings
Of course, melatonin pills and other vitamins can help you sleep soundly and fight fatigue. Let us help you find exactly what you need to make the adjustment more comfortable! Stop by and see us today—we’d love to offer more helpful information and recommendations! Or feel free to give us a call at 984-999-0501.