The end of Daylight Saving Time, when we “fall back” and gain an hour, is not normally as much of a shock to the system as the spring time change, when we lose an hour. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t cause people some issues. Plenty of people walk around for several days with their daily schedule completely askew. In extreme cases, individuals sometimes feel slightly physically ill because of the shift in their clocks.
If you’re one of the people bothered by the time change, there are things you can do to help. Check out our tips below:
- Bask in the sun. The first and most important tip is to get plenty of sunlight first thing in the morning. Normally this can be achieved by making sure the curtains are open as you’re getting ready for work. Adding that to the sun you’ll get commuting to work should be sufficient. The problem is what should be done by people who get up for work before dawn this time of year, or who work from home and don’t go outside much. Those people need to make an extra effort. In both of these cases, taking a break and going outside right after dawn could be helpful. If that’s not possible, you may need to purchase a sun lamp. A side benefit of getting extra sun this time of year is that it can help reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
- Force yourself into the schedule. If you find after a few days that you’re still going to bed earlier than you want, and even finding your eating schedule is off, you may need to make an effort. Try staying up or eating a little later each day, until you’re back on schedule.
- Coffee is not a bad thing in moderation. It’s not normally exhaustion that’s the problem with the fall time change, because you’re actually gaining an hour. However, if you find that you’re going to bed at your normal time, but you wake up an hour early, it can lead to you dragging for a few days. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to have that extra cup of coffee, but try to avoid it in the afternoon, when it might keep you from sleeping at night.
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