Daylight saving time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 10, which means we will advance our clocks by one hour in order to enjoy longer, brighter evenings until next fall.
Many of us look forward to “springing forward,” but the time shift can have some negative effects on our health if we’re not prepared.
The biggest concern is that the sudden time change can disrupt our internal clock and sleep cycle for several days. Losing sleep can affect our moods, alertness and even put us at greater risk of chronic diseases if the sleep loss continues long term.
Try these tips to prepare yourself for the time change:
- Starting this week, gradually adjust your sleep and wake times by 10-15 minutes earlier each night.
- Get ahead of the game and set your clocks ahead by one hour on Saturday, March 9. Then go to bed at your normal bedtime.
- On Sunday morning, step outside right after waking up. The sunlight exposure will help you regulate your internal clock.
- Get plenty of sleep on Sunday night so you’re well-rested and ready to go for the first full week of DST.
Grogginess, confusion and getting the time mixed up (and therefore running late) means there tends to be a spike in car accidents during the first few days of DST. Use extra caution when driving or doing other activities that require you to be alert during this time.
If you start to have trouble falling asleep at night because of the light exposure later in the day, try using a sleep mask or light-blocking curtains.
It’s also a good idea to start using this extra light in the evenings to your advantage — so find an outdoor activity you enjoy like walking, biking or spending time with family and friends at a local park.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
