Fit & Well Idaho Report: Preparing for daylight saving

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Daylight Saving Time starts on the second Sunday in March of every year. On that day, at 2:00 a.m. local time, we “spring forward” or set clocks forward by one hour.

The reason for Daylight Saving Time is to allow us more daylight hours in the evening during the warmer months, and to preserve daylight hours in the morning during the colder months. The switch to daylight saving time can commonly disrupt sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. As a result, we feel less rested during the day.

“Going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier that your usual bedtime is one strategy. another strategy is--could be setting your clock ahead one hour on Saturday evening and going to be at your normal bedtime that night,” said Licensed Social Worker and Therapist for St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Clinic, Michael Higbee.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Daylight Saving Time Health Advisory, it can take about five to seven days for your body to adjust to daylight saving time after setting the clocks forward. Good quality sleep is necessary for optimal health.

Because of the adverse effects of Daylight Saving Time on sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep a night before and after time changes. You should gradually adjust your sleep and awake times beginning 2-3 days before the time changes to help your body adjust more naturally.

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