5 WAYS TO MAKE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME LESS STRESSFUL
After a long, frigid winter, one thing is for certain, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will soon be upon us. The good news: Warmer weather and more hours of sunlight. The bad news: Losing a precious hour of much-needed sleep. Whether you love it or hate it, these tips will help you adjust to the upcoming time change with ease.
1. Get extra sleep beforehand
Although you can’t make up for lost sleep (according to new research, when it’s gone, it’s gone), you can be proactive by going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier than usual in the days leading up to DST, experts say. Getting a little extra rest can help you adjust to the loss of an hour and potentially bounce back quicker.
2. Eat tryptophan-rich foods
Tryptophan is an amino acid that can be converted into melatonin, a hormone that influences your sleep-wake cycle. Eating foods high in tryptophan, such as chicken, turkey, milk, cheese, and salmon, may help improve sleep quality. Just make sure not to stuff yourself or eat too close to your bedtime (allow at least a two- three-hour gap). Doing so could disrupt your sleep.
3. Go for a nighttime stroll
Arguably, the best part of DST is the extra sunlight that comes with it. That means you can go for a walk after dinner without using the flashlight app on your phone (make it social by bringing a dog or a mate). Research shows taking a stroll after eating can aid digestion and help lower blood sugar. Bonus: Getting adequate vitamin D from sunlight improves bone health, lowers blood pressure, and regulates your immune system.
4. Get a workout in
It might sound counterintuitive, but exercise could actually give you the energy boost you need after losing an hour of sleep. Working out boosts endorphins and blood circulation, helping you feel more alert and awake. Experts at John Hopkins Medicine report that moderate aerobic exercise also promotes a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep state.
5. Do a mental reset
We know clutter can make us feel overwhelmed and distracted, and the act of purging it can be emotionally satisfying — now is the time to do it. Go a step beyond a typical “spring cleaning” by setting a Marie Kondo-inspired intention to pare down and organize. Make a list of the organizations you plan to donate to, and start taking inventory of everything that does and doesn’t spark joy (including your old mattress). Who’s got spring in their step? You do.
View original content to download multimedia @ DreamCloud OR https://www.dreamcloudsleep.com/posts/daylight-saving-time/
1. Get extra sleep beforehand
Although you can’t make up for lost sleep (according to new research, when it’s gone, it’s gone), you can be proactive by going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier than usual in the days leading up to DST, experts say. Getting a little extra rest can help you adjust to the loss of an hour and potentially bounce back quicker.
2. Eat tryptophan-rich foods
Tryptophan is an amino acid that can be converted into melatonin, a hormone that influences your sleep-wake cycle. Eating foods high in tryptophan, such as chicken, turkey, milk, cheese, and salmon, may help improve sleep quality. Just make sure not to stuff yourself or eat too close to your bedtime (allow at least a two- three-hour gap). Doing so could disrupt your sleep.
3. Go for a nighttime stroll
Arguably, the best part of DST is the extra sunlight that comes with it. That means you can go for a walk after dinner without using the flashlight app on your phone (make it social by bringing a dog or a mate). Research shows taking a stroll after eating can aid digestion and help lower blood sugar. Bonus: Getting adequate vitamin D from sunlight improves bone health, lowers blood pressure, and regulates your immune system.
4. Get a workout in
It might sound counterintuitive, but exercise could actually give you the energy boost you need after losing an hour of sleep. Working out boosts endorphins and blood circulation, helping you feel more alert and awake. Experts at John Hopkins Medicine report that moderate aerobic exercise also promotes a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep state.
5. Do a mental reset
We know clutter can make us feel overwhelmed and distracted, and the act of purging it can be emotionally satisfying — now is the time to do it. Go a step beyond a typical “spring cleaning” by setting a Marie Kondo-inspired intention to pare down and organize. Make a list of the organizations you plan to donate to, and start taking inventory of everything that does and doesn’t spark joy (including your old mattress). Who’s got spring in their step? You do.
View original content to download multimedia @ DreamCloud OR https://www.dreamcloudsleep.com/posts/daylight-saving-time/
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