Here are five easy tips to help you adjust to the time change.
Consistent Sleep Schedule
The first step in adjusting to the time change is going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. The closer you stick to your normal routine, the easier it will be for your body to adapt to the change. Especially since we lose an hour of sleep in the spring, it is beneficial to help your body keep a normal sleep cycle to regain that time.
Create Healthy Habits
Practicing good habits before bed means less caffeine in the afternoon, more exercise in the morning, and preparing yourself to fall asleep each night. Put your phone, computer, and tablet away, and try to avoid the hindering effects of the high-intensity blue light given off by electronic devices. The glare reduces melatonin production and simulates sunlight, sending a signal to your brain that it’s time for activity. Instead of watching TV, try picking up a good book, take a warm shower, turn down the lights, and drift into dreamland.
Routine Mealtimes
Sleep is the number one priority, but coming in a close second is a healthy, consistent diet. Sleep cycle and eating habits are one and the same. If you can, try to eat a little earlier, especially during dinnertime. Don’t overeat, focus on foods rich in protein, and avoid heavy meals that will weigh you down and make it difficult to digest and fall asleep at night. Sorry, pasta, you’re on a temporary leave of absence.
Soak up the Sun
As we turn the clocks forward, that means longer days and more sunlight. When we’re soaking up that Vitamin D, our mood and energy levels are increased, giving us a natural energy rush throughout the day. Get outside and make time for that early morning or mid-afternoon walk when the sun is shining--it will jumpstart your day and help your body unwind naturally by nightfall.
Power Naps
Napping is always up for debate when it comes to affecting your sleep, and while some of ya’ll might disagree, it’s actually healthier for your body to take a quick nap rather than suffer from sleepless nights.
Be sure to make it a short nap to help restore and hours of lost sleep, but do not take a long 3-hour nap during the day. Taking a brief power nap can help cue your body for your regular sleep cycle to help retain your inner body clock.
If you’re trying to adjust to daylight savings or you need a new bed to help achieve the best sleep possible this spring, stop by our store to shop our wide selection of top-of-the-line mattresses and sleep accessories. You’ll sleep so well, daylight savings will merely be a dream. Visit us today!