4 Ways to Regulate Your Sleep Through Daylight Savings

This Sunday, the U.S, Canada, and most of Western Europe will participate in the spring event of Daylight Savings Time. A day where, twice per year, we adjust our clocks in order to get the most efficient levels of daylight possible. Along with saving energy, the perks are plentiful – but that doesn't mean we like losing an hour of sleep once a year … even if we do get to gain it back later. 

In fact Arizona, parts of Canada, and countries in three other continents have since done away with the practice altogether, opting for standard time year-round. 

For the rest of the population who will be operating on a 23-hour-day this weekend, use these tips to avoid losing out on sleep. And to help keep your body regulated on your new, earlier-than-usual hour. 

1. Ease in With an Earlier Bedtime

We get it, it's hard to sleep when it's still. And it's even harder to get up when it's dark, but the clock will still tick, no matter how unhappy you are about it. If you're not a morning person, go to bed a little earlier at night until you're acclimated to the shift. Even 15 minutes can help.

2. Keep Your Morning Routine

Just a few weeks ago the sun was still sleeping in – so waking before sunrise should be an easy change. Just stick to your daily routine; do the same things at the same times and you'll have an easier adjustment.

3. Absorb Morning Light

Once the sun does come up, soak it in. Even when indoors, the presence of natural light helps to wake the body and can naturally perk up your senses.

4. Power Through

It's safe to say you'll be tired, especially for the first few days. However, sleeping in or skipping chores will only make it harder to adjust. Instead, fake being rested until your body has officially adjusted. 

Don't forget to set your clocks back this Sunday, March 13^th – the jump will take place at 2 am local time and will move your respective time zone to DST until fall. 

Be sure to stay rested through the jump with these proven tips.  

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Staying Awake Through Daylight Savings Time

For many Americans, it can be hard to stay awake this time of year. With daylight sinking early on and colder weather keeping us indoors, folks simply don’t stay up as late as they do during the summer. Oftentimes there are even fewer activities from which you can stay busy, even furthering the need for an early bedtime. 

But is that such a bad thing? Everyone loves an extra hour of sleep here and there, why not strive to get to sleep earlier each and every night? It might not sound like a good plan in theory, but adjusting the body too often can actually mess up your sleep cycle(s). As well as training the body to become tired as soon as the sun sets. Which isn’t exactly pleasant when it sets at 5, nor in the summer months when it’s not dark until nearly 10 p.m.

In either scenario, it’s a good idea to “train” your body for bed. That way you’re in control of your own sleep schedule. And eventually, when you become tired. Though we’re all likely to have a day or too when our bodies just can’t feel awake, for the most part, setting one’s own sleep/wake routine will help you feel more alert. Even throughout Daylight Savings Time, when it’s darker than we want, earlier than we want. 

To set your sleep schedule, find a certain time at which you’d like to fall asleep each night. As well as a time you want to wake up. Then stick to it. The more you practice, the better your body will be at following orders. Next, avoid naps or “letting” yourself act sleepy throughout the day. These habits will only work to reverse your hard sleep-trained work. 

Following through, however, can help create a set routine. One that offers you more rest, and less hassle when falling asleep. 

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