Tag Archives: daylight saving time

8 Ways to Adjust to the End of Daylight Saving Time

The end of Daylight Saving Time can be difficult to adjust to, but there are ways to get through it. Sure for one night you get an extra hour of sleep but the entire process can mess up your internal clock for weeks after the change.

According to the Better Sleep Council, about 60% of American adults need a couple weeks to recover from Daylight Saving Time. Luckily, there are some simple, inexpensive sleep aids available to help. These tips will help you adjust to the seasonal time change by improving your sleep at night and so you wake up fresh in the morning ready to take on the day.

pjsal cozyupsittingBLUSH-8

Be comfortable at night. We know the benefits of a great pair of pajamas. They don’t just make you look good, they will ensure that you get solid and productive sleep at night. Choose your pajamas based on your individual needs so for instance, if you get warm at night lighter fabrics are the way to go. If you’re someone who doesn’t like to feel confined, go for a loose fitting pair of pjs or a nightshirt. Whatever your style, you’ll find the perfect pair right here on our site!

Blackout

Install blackout shades or curtains. One way to adjust to the end of Daylight Saving time is by installing dark window in your bedroom. These coverings block out sunlight and give you a really dark room which creates an ideal sleeping environment by stimulating the production of melatonin, which signals the brain to sleep. As an extra benefit, heavy dark window treatments can help insulate a room and minimize noise.

 

kash eyemaskpinkfrontback

Wear a sleep mask. If blackout curtains are not an option, try wearing a sleep mask to block out light early in the morning. They are quite comfortable and make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting your rest and not waking up too early. And, they are quite fashionable so you’ll look fantastic while you snooze!

Sound Machine

Use a sound machine. White noise machines help you get a better quality night’s sleep by masking other noises that disturb your sleep. Not only can they help you get to sleep but also stay asleep, and may even help to train your brain to know when it’s time to hit the sack.

End Nap

Shortening or eliminating a child’s nap. This transition is tricky, and you’ll need to make sure your child is ready for it. Normally, naps are taken in the afternoon which gives them more energy to make it through the rest of the day. By eliminating this nap, your child will be more tired when it’s time for bed and keeping their sleep schedule from being thrown off.

Alarm

Setting an alarm to go to bed earlier. Setting an alarm to go to bed earlier can be one of the easiest ways to adjust to the end of Daylight Saving Time. Most people find that sleeping between the hours of 10 pm and midnight is the most restful, and by setting an alarm, you can make the change easier. But you should remember to change the clock before you go to bed so you won’t end up playing the “it’s really XX o’clock” game.

Phone off

Turn technology off. The light from your phone, tablet, or computer stimulates the brain and makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Turn off the phone and read a book or take a warm bath to unwind. The general rule of thumb is to avoid screens for at least two hours before bed.

Whole Grain

Eat earlier and smarter. Try eating at earlier in the evening so your body has time to digest the food. Avoid spicy and fatty foods, and choose healthy proteins and whole grains instead. Another thing to avoid is caffeinated drinks later in the day so you have time to pass the caffeine through your system.

Easing your pet into the end of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time ends November 7th and it’s time to “fall back” into shorter days, longer nights, and cooler weather. Typically it doesn’t take long for humans to adjust to the time change but our pets don’t get their routines by following the same clock that we use to stay on schedule. They have what’s called circadian rhythm– which is their biological – or internal – clock that signals when it’s time to eat, sleep, go potty, and more.  So, changing the clock back even an hour can affect your pets.

Since explaining the sudden change to them is not an option, we have to do a little preparation in advance to avoid the confusion, anxiety, and unwanted behavior associated with a schedule change. After all, they’re getting attention, food, exercise, and potty time an hour later than they are accustomed to. Here are some pointers for making the transition a smooth one.

Feeding

Feeding time. Many pets are fed at a set time in the morning, evening, or both. When you set the clock back, they are being fed a whole hour late. The best plan of attack is to start the week beforehand feeding them later than normal in 10-15 minute increments leading up to the time change so they can acclimate gradually. Don’t be surprised however if during this new cycle your pet is sitting by their bowl looking at you with that “I’m hungry” look we all know too well.

Walking

Potty time. Most dogs are used to going out at very specific times to get their business done. When you sleep an hour later their internal clock can go haywire. In the weeks leading up to the time change, hold off on morning or evening walks for 10-minute increments just like feeding. Don’t force your pup to hold it for too long however, — just enough for them to ease into the new time.

Bonding

Bonding time. Your pet’s time with you is the most important thing in their lives. When you go to work, they miss you. Right after the time change they actually think they are getting an extra hour with you in the morning. But when you’re not home when they expect you as the sun hits that certain point in the sky, they can suffer added anxiety which leads to unwanted behaviors like having accidents or destroying your belongings. Start acclimation early by running a few short errands after work so your pet can adapt to you arriving home when the sun is down. Also, make sure to give your pet a little extra attention in the weeks after the change so they know how much you love them.

Medicine

Medication dispensing. Some pets may be affected if they are on medications where the time of each dose is critical. Examples would be diabetic pets on insulin or pets on anti-seizure drugs. Contact your veterinarian for specific instructions on how to administer medication during a time change.

Dog Mess

Patience. Unfortunately, not all activities can be gradually eased into. If you are away at work all day and your pet has not completely adjusted an accident or anxiety can happen. Be understanding in these instances and don’t punish them. He or she will adjust quickly and things will return to normal before you know it.

You may also want to consider changing your schedule. Instead of taking the full extra hour of sleep on Sunday, Set the alarm 10 or 15 minutes later each day until everyone in the household is getting up at the new time. It will make the Daylight Saving Time switch a positive experience, as opposed to a stressful one.

Does the end of Daylight Saving Time bother your pet? Do you do anything to help them adjust? Let us know below or over on our Facebook page.