Sunday, March 10th, 2024 marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST), and most people living in the United States will advance the time on their clocks by one hour.
The transition between standard time and DST causes many to lose one hour of sleep. Although one hour less of sleep may seem harmless, it has been found that the change in time can adversely affect our health.
The Sleep Foundation explains, “The transition between DST and Standard Time has darker mornings and more evening light. This can essentially “delay” your sleep-wake cycle.” This disruption in our sleep cycle or circadian rhythm can lead to problems such as insomnia, grogginess, problems concentrating, lower cognitive performance, and mood changes.
Fortunately, there are ways we can prepare our bodies for the change to DST and reduce the risk of these problems. Here are a few ways to manage the change:
- Set your clocks ahead on Saturday evening and go to bed on time
- Take afternoon naps following the days after DST
- Get more light during the first days of the change
- Limit the consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages a few days before the change
Getting a good night’s rest is essential for your health. If you are having trouble falling asleep or getting a restful night’s sleep, you should speak with your doctor as there may be an underlying medical issue.
To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.