The time is almost here: Daylight Saving Time ends on November 6, and you know what that means! The sun will shine longer in the morning, and the moon will be lit up longer in the evening. When daylight saving time ends, and clocks turn back an hour, people wake up earlier than usual. This can lead to some confusion about what time it is, which can create problems for people who rely on clocks for cues about when their next activity should take place.
If you're someone who gets up in the morning and goes directly to bed at night (or vice versa), you may be affected by this shift in schedule. If you are not used to waking up early or staying up late, it could be stressful for you—and even cause seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
The end of Daylight Saving Time is on Sunday, November 6. When unprepared, every day can feel like a majorly stressful day. We've got your back. Here's how to prepare for the end of DST.
Setting Clocks and Watches
One of the biggest impacts of the end of DST is sleep quality and quantity. The human body has some pre-existing circadian rhythms often affected by the confusion that comes with the end of DST. In addition, individuals who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may experience increased symptoms during winter months when they lose an hour of exposure to sunlight in the early morning or late evening hours. Therefore, to match the usual bedtime, it is advisable to set your clock back an hour at the end of Daylight Saving Time, so you don't have to wake up early.
Avoiding Too Much Screen Time
According to Joannah Cooper, MD, using an electronic device 2 hours before bedtime seriously affects the production of Melatonin surge, which is vital for sleep—too much screen time 1-2 hours before bed can lead to insomnia. Reading a book or journaling instead of using a phone or computer before bed may induce some sleep.
Sleeping at Usual Bedtime
It's important to get your sleep no matter the time of day, but if you've been staying up later than usual, consider going to bed earlier. Turn off your lights and put away your devices an hour before bed. This will help you fall asleep at your usual bedtime. If you sleep at your usual bedtime, try not to wake up too early on Sunday morning.
Taking a Warm Bath Before Bedtime
If you're feeling stressed out or anxious, try taking a warm bath or shower. This will help relax you and put your mind at ease. According to Dr. Whitney Robah, warm showers help the body produce Melatonin, which induces the body to sleep.
Eating Light Meals Before Bed
Try not to eat right before bedtime—eating too close to bedtime can lead to indigestion, making it hard for you to fall asleep. According to Healthline, eating a light meal before bedtime helps you to fall asleep faster.
Exercising Before Bedtime
Exercising before bed helps produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps you feel good and induce sleep. The more you exercise, the higher your dopamine levels will be, which means you can fall asleep more easily. This is frequented eventually by reduced SAD symptoms. Consulting your doctor before starting a new exercise is important so that they guarantee its safety.
Contact Senior Helpers Hillsborough County
The end of Daylight Saving Time has effects on daily activities. This can be a concern for seniors who often have symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Getting some help means a senior can spend more time outside, suppressing the symptoms.
Senior Helpers Hillsborough County offers professional help to seniors in Sun City Center, Riverview, Brandon, Valrico, Tampa, and Lithia. Contact us for an in-home assessment.