If you're reading this Sunday morning, you have already sprung forward or you are an hour late...if you live in the USA. Every spring we reset our clocks ahead one hour and in the fall we set them back one hour; spring forward, fall back. The "fall back" time is the real time, the "spring forward" time is the manipulated time.
Businesses often like daylight savings time as it promotes evening activities like shopping, socializing, and entertainment like athletic events. It's simple, it stays light later so we are out doing things more. When we were more of an agrarian society farmers were not such fans of changing the clocks to extend the daylight hours into the night. For those early risers on the farm it was suddenly darker when they arose to milk the cows or plow the fields.
Businesses often like daylight savings time as it promotes evening activities like shopping, socializing, and entertainment like athletic events. It's simple, it stays light later so we are out doing things more. When we were more of an agrarian society farmers were not such fans of changing the clocks to extend the daylight hours into the night. For those early risers on the farm it was suddenly darker when they arose to milk the cows or plow the fields.
For those who do not live by a Timex but, rather, by their internal clock, it can cause some problems. The one year old baby may not understand why she is being put to bed when the sun is still lighting the nursery. The ten year old cocker spaniel may not be so keen on dragging out for his morning constitution at 7:00 AM when, to him, it is really only 6:00 AM.
And for all of us it can be a bit difficult to make the adjustment. WebMD has published ten sleep tips to make the transition a little smoother. Here they are:
1. Gradually adjust the time, say in fifteen minute increments starting a few days before.
2. Take a nap if you feel tired that day. Not too long nor too late. Maybe at work? 😄
3. Know how much sleep you really need and schedule for it.
4. Keep regular sleep hours. Even on weekends.
5. Get some exercise during the day. Thirty minutes three times a week is good.
6. Avoid stimulating substances: alcohol, caffeine, even some pain relievers.
7. Eat lightly at night. Avoid too much liquid before bed.
8. Relax before bed. No scary TV, don't think about problems at work. (Not so easy)
9. Create a sleep friendly environment. Cool room, no noise, no toys, no snoring pets.
10. If you can't sleep, get up. Find a quiet activity for 20 minutes or so, then try again to sleep.
I think step 1 is really the only tip that addresses the problem of the changed clock. The other tips are generally good but aren't specific to the time change. And step 1 will probably only fool your one year old and then, only if you also install room darkening shades on her bedroom windows.
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