Prepare For Daylight Saving Time 2025: healthy tips to make the transition as smooth as possible

The days are naturally getting longer and the temperature is a little warmer in most places. But before we can fully embrace the joys of spring, we have that dreaded pesky annual ritual: Daylight Saving Time. This year we’ll be springing forward on Sunday, March 9th, at 2:00 AM. While the extra daylight in the evening is a welcome change for most, the adjustment can be a bit of a shock to the system. Even though we’re only losing an hour of sleep that first night, it can throw off our circadian rhythm. That is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Daylight Saving Time is essentially jet lag. And, it throws everything off kilter because we are used to how much light there is or isn’t during the times we normally do things. Yes, it’s only one hour. But, that one hour can really mean a lot.

Fear not! With a little preparation, you can minimize the disruption and transition smoothly. Let’s take a look at how Daylight Saving Time affects us and what can be done about it.

Let’s Talk About Why It Feels So Difficult?

• Sleepiness: Feeling groggy and sluggish during the day even if you got your 8 hours in.
• Irritability: Being more easily frustrated or short-tempered. If we feel like our sleep has been messed with, guess what? The bad-mood monster rears it’s ugle head!
• Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks. Just like above: if your sleep feels like it’s been messed with? Lack of concentration ensues.
• Changes in Appetite: Feeling hungrier or less hungry than usual. Most of us eat our meals and snacks around the same time each day. If that time is thrown off, guess what? You want to eat everything in sight or not much at all.
• Feeling Left Out: For some (especially kids) a feeling of being left out occurs during the first few weeks of Daylight Saving Time. “Why do I have to go to bed already? It’s still light out!”)

Let’s Talk About How to Prepare:

1. Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy:
   • Proper hydration and a balanced diet can help your body cope with the transition.
   • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, especially in the days leading up to and following the Daylight Saving time change.
2. Start Adjusting Early:
   • Don’t wait until the last minute! Begin shifting your sleep schedule by 15-20 minutes earlier each night, starting a few days before the change.
   • Also, adjust your meal times accordingly.
3. Optimize Your Sleep Environment:
   • Make your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
   • Consider using blackout curtains to help block out the light if you go to bed before sundown.
   • Limit screen time before bed. The blue light emitted from the screens of electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone made by your pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Essentially, it tells your body when it’s time to sleep. On any night it is a good idea to stop watching all screens one hour before bed. And, turn on the “night mode” or “blue light filter” on all devices.
4. Indulge In A Little Morning Sunlight:
   • After the time change, make a point of getting some sunlight in the morning. This helps reset your circadian rhythm and signals to your body that it’s time to wake up.
   • Open your blinds, or take a short walk outside. If you wake up in the dark, a UV Sun or grow lamp will work just fine.
5. Be Patient with Yourself:
   • It can take a few days to two weeks for your body to fully adjust.
   • Don’t overschedule yourself in the days immediately following the change.
   • Try to stick to a consistent routine.
   • Remember that you are not alone. We are all struggling with the time change. Cut others (and yourself) some slack.
6. Plan for the kids and pets:
   • Just like the kids, pets can also be affected by the time change. Start adjusting their feeding times a few days early as well.
7. Adjust your clocks before bed:
   • Before you go to sleep on Saturday night (March 8th), change all of your clocks that don’t automatically change by themselves. This will help to prevent any confusion in the morning.

Let’s Talk About The Bright Side (Literally!)

Remember, the initial adjustment is temporary. Soon, you’ll be enjoying longer, brighter evenings, perfect for outdoor activities, barbecues, and spending time with loved ones. Until the government puts an end to Daylight Saving Time we should (like it or not) embrace the change. We have no choice. I was going to add a section stating my personal opinions on the subject, but the last couple of sentences sum it up. 😉

By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of Daylight Saving Time. You can also enjoy the benefits of the extra sunlight.

Happy Spring!

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