Spring Forward Shenanigans

In this episode – Spring Forward Shenanigans . . .

Welcome back to On the Fly! With daylight saving time starting tomorrow, we're all about to lose an hour of sleep. But fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy – we've got a few tips to help you adjust smoothly to Spring Forward. Yes, tomorrow marks the annual Daylight-Saving Timeshift (DST). We all know the drill—clocks spring forward by one hour at 2:00 a.m., giving us an extra hour of sunlight in the evening. But let's be honest—that one-hour jump can wreak havoc on our sleep schedules and leave us groggy for days.

While the energy-saving benefits of DST are debatable these days, it's still a practice followed in many parts of the world. And let's face it, those extra evening hours of sunlight can be nice!

Adjusting to the Time Change:

But that lost hour of sleep can mess with your body clock. Here are some tips to help you adjust to Spring Forward. Sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle.

Here's how to leverage it –

· Get outside early: As soon as possible after waking up, expose yourself to bright natural light. This helps suppress melatonin production and energizes you for the day.

· Brighten your workspace: If you work indoors, try positioning your desk near a window for maximum natural light exposure. At least open the blinds to enjoy the morning sunrise.

Optimize Your Sleep Environment –

Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary. Here's how to create an ideal sleep environment:

· Cool it down: The ideal sleep temperature is around 60-67°F (15-19°C). A cooler environment promotes deeper sleep.

· Dim the Lights: Avoid bright screens and artificial lights in the evening. This will signal your body that it's time to wind down.

· Stick to a Routine: Keep your sleep schedule consistent, even on weekends. This will help your body to adjust more quickly.

· Beware of the Caffeine Crash: Limit your caffeine intake in the afternoon and evening, as it can interfere with sleep.

· Relaxation Techniques: If you're having trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

By following these tips, you can minimize the disruption caused by Spring Forward and get back to feeling your best quickly. Remember, your body might take a few days to adjust fully, so be patient with yourself.

Here's a little bonus tip for you night owls: Use the extra hour of evening sunlight to exercise or spend time outdoors. Not only will this help you to tire yourself out before bed, but it's also a great way to enjoy the extra daylight!

Thanks for joining us - On the Fly! Adjusting to daylight saving time takes time. By following these tips and being patient with yourself, you can minimize the disruption and get back to feeling your best.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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