It’s happening this weekend – daylight savings time. We lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of daylight – or so they say.
Daylight saving time was first introduced as a way to save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. It also provides more time for outdoor activities and increases tourism and recreational opportunities. However, the practice of changing the time has been subject to debate and criticism, with some arguing that it disrupts sleep patterns and has negative impacts on health and productivity.
The length of time it takes a person to adjust to daylight savings time can vary depending on various factors such as age, sleep habits, and overall health. Generally, it takes most people a few days to adjust to the change in time.
When the clocks are set forward in the spring, people may experience a bit of difficulty waking up in the morning, feeling groggy or lethargic, and having trouble sleeping at night. This is because their bodies are still used to the previous time and need some time to adjust to the new schedule. Conversely, when the clocks are set back in the fall, people may find it easier to wake up in the morning but may feel tired earlier in the evening.
To help adjust to daylight savings time, experts recommend gradually shifting bedtime and waking time by 15-20 minutes in the days leading up to the time change. It is also important to maintain good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, keeping a consistent sleep schedule, and creating a relaxing sleep environment. Additionally, getting exposure to natural light during the day and avoiding bright screens before bedtime can help regulate the body’s internal clock and facilitate the adjustment to the new time.
The biggest stress of all is when you wake up on Sunday morning after the 2:00 a.m. change to daylight savings time and you realize you didn’t adjust your clocks. If that happens, you’ll arrive an hour late to church or any other activities on your Sunday calendar.
So don’t forget – this Sunday, March 12th is the day to gain an hour of daylight! Enjoy!
