5 Tips to Help You Stay Well-Rested During Daylight Savings Time

It’s almost time to turn back those clocks! This Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00am daylight saving time officially ends. This means that our clocks will fall back an hour, causing the sun to rise and set an hour earlier. Many enjoy this extra hour of morning light as they wake up feeling well rested, but many also struggle with falling asleep at night. Follow these 5 tips to ensure you stay well rested with the time change.

Prepare Early

The best way to prepare for daylight savings is to make a mental note ahead of time. Luckily, Fall Daylight Savings isn’t usually as difficult to acclimate to as in the Springtime when we lose an hour of sleep. Prepare early by marking the calendar. Set your clocks back the night before that way you won’t wake up disoriented when your smartphone and wall clock times don’t match up.

Give your Bed a Fall Refresh

Daylight savings is the perfect reminder to make sure your bed is comfortable and fresh. Swap out your old sheets for a new sheet set and make sure your bed is warm for the changing seasons. There is nothing worse than running to the thermostat in the middle of the night because your bedding isn’t warm enough. A cozy comforter should keep you warm and ensure a good night's sleep in the colder months.

Avoid Excessive Amounts of Caffeine

There is nothing wrong with enjoying your morning cup of coffee, in fact many of us rely on it to get our days started. During daylight savings when your routine is thrown out of whack it may be tempting to grab an extra afternoon coffee to help you power through your day. However, this can backfire, as consuming caffeine that late in the day can cause anxiety and make it difficult to fall asleep at night.

Practice a Nighttime Routine

Bedtime routines aren’t just for babies. Practicing a good nighttime routine can help you ease into a restful sleep as you prepare your body to wind down for the day. Reserve the hour before bed for winding down. Take a warm shower or bath and say goodbye to your electronics for the night. Brew a cup of non caffeinated tea and curl up with your favorite book.

Stick to a Sleep Routine

Sticking with a routine can be difficult the week or so after daylight savings as many of us struggle with being able to fall asleep when the clocks fall back an hour earlier. It might be tempting to stay up later because you’re just not tired. As tempting as it might be to catch up on your favorite series, it’s best to stay in bed. It will only take a couple of weeks for your body to get used to the time change and you won’t miss out on important rest that you need for the day ahead.