Adjusting After Daylight Savings Time: Why Some Sleep Experts Want to Stop Changing the Clocks

As Spring approaches, we're excited for longer and warmer days with daylight saving time. But changing our clocks can affect our sleep and health.

Sleep experts, such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), believe changing our clocks twice a year is not advised. Here's why:

• When we move our clocks forward in spring, it causes more accidents and health issues. Studies show more car accidents and more people feel moody or struggle to sleep.
• Kids and teens find it hard as well. They lose sleep, struggle to focus in school and feel sleepy during the day.

Experts say we should stop changing our clocks altogether. Some want to keep the same time all year, instead of daylight saving time. They believe this would be better for our sleep and health.

Tips to Help You Adjust to Daylight Savings:

A few days before springing forward, try going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each night. If you're having trouble adjusting to a recent time change, here are some more tips that might help:

• Get enough sleep: Aim for at least seven hours.
• Stick to routines: Keep your daily activities at the same time each day.
• Use sunlight: Spend time outside in the morning.
• Try relaxation techniques: Deep breathing or meditation can help you relax.

Tips to Help You Adjust to the End of Daylight Savings:

In November, when daylight savings ends, we turn our clocks back one hour, known as "falling back." Although you seem to gain an extra hour of sleep, adjusting to this change is the same, including going to bed earlier before the change. This will help your body adapt to the earlier sunset and keep your sleep routine.

If you want to learn more about sleep and how to stay healthy, you can visit SleepEducation.org.