I have had a heck-uv-a time getting out of bed in the mornings, since Daylight Saving time took effect this past Saturday night.  The same goes for my children.  It’s now taking extra pulls and tugs to get them motivated.  I find it humorous that “saving’ is inherent in the phrase when I’m waking feeling like I’m “losing” sleep.  Is it the one hour advancement in the day that’s creating the adjustment? Perhaps; but we’re going to bed at the same time in the evening as we did prior to Daylight Savings time, so that alone can’t be the issue contributing to our groggy a.m. feelings.

Knowing what I know now about the importance of sleep, I am convinced that the problems that we are having are entirely physiological.  What we are feeling and you may be feeling as well is a jolt to our sleep/wake cycle, also referred to as our circadian rhythm.  Each of us as individuals have our own built in mechanisms to help us regulate sleep and wake time, sort of like a clock, that is largely dependent on natural light (sun) and darkness (nighttime).  The sunlight tells us it’s time to be awake and the nighttime tells us it’s time for sleep.  This in itself is problematic with the “spring forward” theory of advancing our clocks in March.  Now, when I wake in the morning it’s still dark outside, prohibiting my natural sleep/wake cycle to work as effectively as it has. My body is screaming “sleep” until around 7:15 when the sun rises.    So essentially by advancing our clocks, waking in darkness, we are working against nature. 

Other than directing my frustration toward Congress for implementing this law, and for California for going along with it (I had to get my digs in :)) there are a few tools to help your body adjust to the time: light and dark changes.

1.  15 to 30 minutes prior to going to bed, turn off all lights (especially florescent lights).  Light interferes with the body’s built-in manufacturing of the sleep hormone, melatonin.  Candlelight or dimmed lighting is more ideal if you are in need of some light before sleep.

2.  Turn off all electronics 30 minutes prior to sleep and be sure to not store them anywhere near your head.   There is much evidence that EMF’s interfere with our brain frequencies, prohibiting the body’s nighttime efforts to rest and recover from the day.

3.  Set your alarm 10 to 15 minutes earlier in the morning, allowing for you to wake slowly.  Turning on artificial light will stimulate your cycle, advising you that it’s time to wake. 

Hope this all helps.

Be well,

Lynn