SAVANNAH, Ga, (WSAV)—On Sunday, Nov. 3, Daylight Savings Time (DST) will end for Georgians at 2 a.m.
Going back to colder mornings and less light in the evening can be a tough time for anyone.
The Sleep Foundation said that the end of DST may not disrupt sleep as much, but it can still interfere with your schedule, sleep habits and daylight exposure.
Our internal body clocks, known as circadian rhythms, are highly sensitive to changes in light and darkness, according to Psychology Today. They also said that circadian rhythms can influence every part of our bodies from our sleep-wake cycle and hormone production, to our appetite.
The AARP said that the shorter days and early onset of darkness can leave you feeling moody, lethargic and irritable.
Here are some ways to beat the end of daylight savings fatigue:
- Give yourself time to adjust: It can take several days or even weeks for our brains to fully adjust to the new schedule.
- Maintain good sleep hygiene: Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day and avoid any extra dozing before bedtime. Try not to change your daily schedule too much since it can disrupt your sleep schedule.
- Eat more Vitamin D-rich foods: It’s important during the fall and winter months to improve your vitamin D level. Low vitamin D is associated with having the winter blues according to Psychology Today.
- Embrace natural light and get outside when you can: Maximize your exposure to natural light. Open your curtains wide, go for a walk or sit outside or enjoy your morning coffee on the porch. Many Americans, especially those who work in an office all day, spend little time in daylight after the fall time change because of the earlier sunset.
- Consider getting a light lamp if you can’t get outside: Put it on for 20 minutes in the morning and it could help significantly to brighten your mood. This could be especially helpful if you work inside all day and aren’t able to catch much daylight.
- Get moving: This can include cleaning, walking, dancing or any kind of movement. It’s tempting to stay in bed when it is cold and dark, but movement can help to keep you feeling motivated and brighten your mood.
- Set your clocks before bed: Even though the time change doesn’t happen until 2 a.m., it’s best to be prepared so you won’t throw off your entire day.
