Falling back: How daylight savings impacts your sleep
Sleep is one of the most vital activities we do to restore both body and mind. These days, many people are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by daily life, and getting an extra hour of sleep might sound like a dream come true. It could also help reset our circadian rhythms.
This first Sunday in November, the clocks will shift at 2:00 a.m. However, this time change can disrupt sleep for several days. Dr. Yvonne Harrison, in her article in Sleep Medicine Reviews, explains that even a one-hour shift in the sleep cycle can affect our sleep for up to a week.
Does this sound familiar? You might find it harder to fall asleep, so you stay up later. Or maybe you wake up earlier than usual. Worse yet, you could find yourself waking up in the middle of the night. This happens because your body has its own internal sleep cycle, and just because the clock changes, it doesn’t mean your body adjusts instantly.
If you’re an early riser like me, you may find this adjustment even more challenging. Those who get less than 7.5 hours of sleep per night tend to feel the effects of the time change more intensely as well.
Here are a few tips to help you get your sleep back on track:
- Start going to bed 10–15 minutes earlier each night this week to gradually adjust to the time change.
- Exercise can also help realign your circadian rhythm. Don’t underestimate the power of physical activity to improve your sleep!
If you’re experiencing ongoing sleep disturbances beyond the daylight saving time shift, be sure to sign up for our upcoming webinars. Check for our upcoming events here.
Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of health issues, including poor sleep. If you’re dealing with persistent challenges such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, hot flashes, menopause, or heart disease, our webinars will provide valuable insights into how hormones affect your health and well-being.
Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your sleep and overall health!