Spring Forward!

Sunday, March 12 was the start of Daylight Savings which means we have all moved our clocks ahead an hour! This also means that we are now experiencing less natural morning light and more natural evening light. According to Dr. Phyllis Zee from the Northwestern Medical Group, this can have effects on our natural circadian rhythm, impacting our sleep schedule in the short and long run. This calls for an emphasis on healthy sleeping habits to prevent our bodies and mind from feeling drowsy and fatigued during this Daylight Savings transition! The first piece of advice is to stick to an as consistent sleep schedule as possible. It is important to gain the necessary hours of sleep we need, and being disciplined in when we should get ready for bed and start to wind down is necessary to maintain a circadian rhythm that is healthy and works for you. Next, avoid excess amounts of caffeine, blue light, and alcohol consumption one to two hours before bed. These substances will only make the consistency of our circadian rhythm a little harder to maintain, especially as we are going to experience more natural light at night that may keep us up. Lastly, because there will be less natural morning light, try to exercise or spend time outside in the morning, to gain necessary activity and wakefulness as we learn to adjust to the now darker wakeups. Sleep promotes happiness, so by taking these steps, prevent the impacts Daylight Savings may have on our sleep schedules and mood!

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