Steps to LivingWell

It’s that time of year again, when we reset our clocks and try to readjust to the time change associated with Daylight Saving Time (DST). Some of us breeze through the change seamlessly, yet others feel out of sorts for days. If you have trouble dealing with this sudden disruption in your routine, it is for good reason.
Even though your brain knows that the time on the clock has changed, your body's internal clock does not. When the clocks move forward in the spring, you'll be robbed of an hour of sleep.

The biggest problem that older adults have with daylight saving time is loss of sleep.  Even a small change in your snooze schedule can knock your natural circadian rhythm out of whack. The resulting lack of sleep in the days following a clock change can lead to grogginess and loss of mental acuity.  We don’t know the exact effects of daylight saving on senior health, however we do know a sleep-deprived senior is more likely to make mistakes regarding their medication and may have an increased risk of falling.

A few simple steps to help you "spring forward" successfully:

1.     Stick to a routine.
2.     Stay away from sleep disrupters like caffeine.
3.     Get some sun: natural sunlight helps regulate your body's natural rhythms.
4.     Work up a sweat: exercise may help you fall asleep easier.
5.     Practice good sleep habits: Is it dark enough? Is it cool enough? Is it quiet enough?