Daylight Saving Time, or DST, has a long history dating back to the early 20th century. While some may think it was invented for farmers, it was originally introduced to make better use of natural daylight during the summer months and conserve energy, by using less artificial light.
By setting our clocks back one hour during the fall, we can enjoy more daylight in the morning. Since our circadian rhythms sync up with the sun and it’s dark out when we wake up, melatonin, the sleep hormone, will continue to produce making it harder to get up.
When we "fall back" and gain an hour of sleep, it can be challenging to adjust to the new schedule. While for some it may be a benefit to feel like you’re waking up an hour earlier, for others it may be a disruption. Luckily, an hour time change will only affect your sleep and energy levels for a few days and we have some tips to make the transition a little smoother so you can sleep better.
TIP #1
Gradual Adjustments: Start to make sleep schedule adjustments and your wake-up time a few days before the time change. Go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier each night to make the hour change more manageable.
TIP #2
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Whether you’re spending the time change at home or in the great outdoors, you want to make sure where you lay your head is comfortable. If you’re out on the road we suggest any HEST Mattress paired with a pillow and down comforter for maximum relaxation and sleep quality.
TIP #3
Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Consistency is key to regulating your circadian rhythms.
TIP #4
Avoid Caffeine and Screen Time Before Bed: Limit caffeine (4 hours prior) and screen time (2 hours prior) before bedtime, as they can interfere with melatonin being released, thus helping you fall asleep faster and easier.
If you remember some legislation around putting an end to changing our clocks twice a year, you’re thinking about the Sunshine Protection Act. This bill was passed unanimously by the Senate in 2022, but failed to make it past the house because other legislation took higher priority, so the bill never made it to the House floor. Unlike Arizona and Hawaii, the two states that don’t participate in DST, our sleep schedules will have to be patient until the bill gets reintroduced and passed by the Senate, House and president!
