6 ways to adjust to the end of daylight saving time
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 a.m., which means we 鈥渇all back鈥 and gain an extra hour of sleep. While your phone will update automatically, your body might need a little help adjusting. Here are six simple tips to help you reset your sleep schedule and feel your best.听
听听Change your clocks before bed听
Most phones and laptops update on their own, but don鈥檛 forget about the old-school clocks 鈥 like the ones on your microwave, oven or car. Set them back before you go to sleep Saturday night so you wake up with everything synced and stress-free.听
听听Create a chill nighttime routine听
Help your brain wind down by doing something relaxing before bed. Think: a warm shower, herbal tea, reading a book (ideally a physical copy and not on your phone), or listening to a calming playlist or meditation. These habits can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.听
To make your nighttime routine even more restful, consider picking up free wellness supplies like ear plugs, eye masks and more. You can find these items at the Wellness Suites on the third floor of Wardenburg Health Center, at the Village Center or order them through a Buff Box. Adding these simple tools to your routine can help you relax and get better sleep.听
听听Stick to a steady sleep schedule听
It tempting to stay up late with that 鈥渆xtra hour,鈥 but keeping a consistent sleep routine is key. Aim for 7鈥9 hours of sleep each night to stay sharp, focused and energized. Your body will adjust faster if you keep your usual bedtime and wake-up time.听
听听Cut back on screens before bed听
Blue light from phones and laptops can mess with your sleep by tricking your brain into thinking it still daytime. Try using built-in features like:听
- (iPhone)听
- (Android)听
- (Windows/Mac)听
Or better yet, unplug an hour before bed to help your body get ready for sleep naturally.听
听听Skip late-night snacks, caffeine and alcohol听
Caffeine and alcohol can mess with your sleep cycle, and eating too close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep. If you鈥檙e hungry, go for something light 鈥 like a banana or a handful of nuts.听
听听Take a power nap (if you need it)听
Feeling groggy? A short nap (20鈥30 minutes max) can help you recharge without throwing off your sleep schedule. Just don鈥檛 nap too late in the day or for too long鈥攖hat can make it harder to fall asleep at night.听听
If you need a quick rest between classes, check out the nap pods available on campus. You鈥檒l find them in the Rec Center, the Wellness Suite in Wardenburg, Norlin Library, and the east third floor of CASE鈥攑erfect spots to sneak in a restorative break and get back to your day feeling refreshed.听
Use this time change as a chance to reset your sleep habits and prioritize rest. Your body and brain will thank you 鈥 especially during midterms and finals!听