As spring approaches, the inevitable shift to daylight saving time brings with it an unwelcome trade-off: losing an hour of sleep. This annual ritual not only disrupts routines but may lead to increased health risks such as heart attacks and accidents. Awareness and preparation can help mitigate these effects and maintain health during this period.
Dr. Matthew Husa identifies three effective strategies to navigate the time change. Firstly, initiate your sleep routine modification by going to bed 15 minutes earlier for several nights leading to the switch. This gradual adjustment softens the blow of lost sleep while optimising nightly rest with methods like using blackout curtains and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals in the evening.
Secondly, capitalise on extended daylight by getting active early each day. Morning sunlight boosts vitamin D levels and supports your natural sleep cycle. Engaging in outdoor activities like walking or cycling for 30 to 60 minutes enhances sleep quality and helps stave off insomnia—providing a natural solution to the grogginess following the time switch.
Lastly, exercise great caution on the roads, particularly for adolescent drivers. Statistics reveal that 55% of individuals feel fatigued in the days following the time change, significantly raising the risk of accidents. Parents may want to restrict their teens from driving until they adapt, ensuring safety during this transition when the risk of fatal car crashes increases significantly.
As daylight saving time approaches, Dr. Matthew Husa offers three strategies to support health: adjust your sleep routine gradually, get outside for morning exercise, and be cautious while driving, especially for young drivers experiencing sleepiness.
In conclusion, as we embrace the arrival of spring and the corresponding hour lost to daylight saving time, adopting these three strategies can significantly bolster our health and well-being. From adjusting sleeping patterns to harnessing morning sunlight for physical activities and remaining cautious on the roads, preparation is essential for a smoother transition and a healthier lifestyle year-round.
Original Source: northfortynews.com
