The clock is turning back, and so are your bedtimes! Don’t forget to ‘fall back’ this weekend.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. will be turned backward one hour to 1 a.m. in most of the country.
It means that sunrise (around 6:25 a.m. to start Daylight Savings Time) and sunset (around 6 p.m.) will be about one hour earlier. There will be more light in the morning and less light in the evening.
“Since you gain an extra hour, you may not have the same kind of immediate sleep disruption that occurs when springing forward,” said the Sleep Foundation. “That said, the end of DST can still affect circadian rhythm, and you may struggle to adjust your sleep schedule for a week or longer.”
Here are some ways to prepare for the change:
Adjust your sleep schedule: According to GoHealth Urgent Care, adjust your bedtime before the change. Shifting your sleep schedule by 15-20 minutes earlier for the two to three days before the time change can help you adjust.
Limit caffeine intake: GoHealth Urgent Care says that although sensitivity to caffeine can vary based on the individual, limiting your caffeine intake to before noon as you transition is best if you are struggling with daylight saving time.
Reset Manual Clocks: Before you go to bed on Saturday night, manually change any older clocks (wall clocks, microwaves, ovens) that won’t set themselves back one hour.
Stepping out in sunlight: GoHealth Urgent Care stated that when your eyes are exposed to natural light in the morning, this helps reset your internal clock. Aim to spend at least 2030 minutes outside or near a window.
Get ready to “fall back” an hour on Sunday, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep as we officially return to Standard Time!
