Daylight Saving- Great Time to Reset Your Sleep Habits

March 1, 2012

Daylight saving time is a great time to reset your sleep habits, as well as your clock.

If you have trouble sleeping, try the following sleep tips:

• Go to sleep and wake at the same time every day, and avoid spending more time in bed than needed.
• Use bright light to help manage your "body clock." Avoid bright light in the evening and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning.
• Use your bedroom only for sleep to strengthen the association between your bed and sleep. It may help to remove work materials, computers and televisions from your bedroom.
• Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a warm bath or listening to calming music.
• Create an environment that is conducive to sleep that is quiet, dark and cool with a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Save your worries for the daytime. If concerns come to mind, write them in a "worry book" so you can address those issues the next day.
• If you can't sleep, go into another room and do something relaxing until you feel tired.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime.
• If you are experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or “stop breathing” episodes in your sleep, contact your health care professional for a sleep apnea screening.