Daylight Saving Time Tips

Spring ahead, with these Daylight Saving Time tips

Daylight Saving Time officially begins at 2am on Sunday, March 13. The time change, according to the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, has been linked to increases in car crashes, strokes, heart attacks and cluster headaches, all spiking just after the date of the time change. But there are ways to help bounce back from “springing ahead” (and losing that extra hour in the a.m.) –

DST Tips from the Dutchess County Office for the Aging:

Get the same amount of sleep. You’ll wake up “an hour later,” or you can go to bed earlier the night before.
Adjust gradually. Eventually your body does need to get back in sync with the new time. Try going to bed 15 minutes earlier on Saturday, another 15 minutes earlier on Sunday, and so forth until Tuesday night. You’ll wake up on Wednesday more well-adjusted.
Stay active. In a way, you’re gaining an hour of daylight. Might as well use it to your benefit. Whatever exercise you do, make sure it’s wrapped up at least two hours before bedtime.
Caffeine in the morning only. While your body is adjusting, you’ll want to stay away from caffeinated beverages after lunchtime.
No screens. The blue light from electronic screens reduces the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that tells the brain it’s time to go to sleep.
Take a break from naps. Unless you are disciplined about naptimes, you could oversleep and backfire on you as you try to adjust.
For caregivers: Watch for a bump in “sundowning.” You may know of sundowning as a symptom of dementia that feature increases in confusion and agitation. The time change can make the situation worse. You can smooth any rough edges by sticking as close to routine as possible, and make sure your loved one is getting plenty of time in light during the day. Additionally, avoid any noises or visual stimulation that could upset them.