Written by Kristin Anchante, Project Manger
Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 14. Without even knowing it, we’ll lose an hour of coveted sleep, which, for many of us, isn’t even close to the recommended eight hours to begin with.
So, why do we adjust the clocks twice a year? Well, according to National Geographic, the idea was proposed as a way to conserve energy, and “on March 9, 1918, Congress enacted it’s first daylight saving law” which also defined the time zones in the United states. (National Geographic)
Over the years, this practice has become antiquated, with states like Hawaii and Arizona abandoning it altogether in the 1960s. And just last year, over 30 states discussed leaving DST in effect all year round as the standard time. (Farmer’s Almanac)
But since it’s still hanging around – at least for March of 2021 – there are a few ways to prepare your body for the change. Here are three:
· Go to bed earlier. This is such a simple way to start “saving” your time. According to WebMD, adjusting the time resets our circadian rhythm, knocking our internal “clocks” out of sync. If you adjust your bedtime, it should help mitigate the effects. Start practicing a few days in advance (WebMD)
· Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both substances negatively impact sleep, especially in the afternoon (caffeine) and just prior to bedtime (both). (Cleveland Clinic)
· Get some sun – and exercise! Nothing tires you out like a full day of fresh air. Plan a picnic, take a hike, or chase your kids around in the yard. Have some (outside) fun over the next few days and prepare to sleep like a log right through the time change. (AARP)
For more tips and information on Daylight Savings Time, check out the links included above.
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