Springing forward sounds great in theory, longer days, more evening light, but losing an hour of sleep? Not so much. The March clock change can throw off your sleep schedule, making Monday mornings feel even tougher than usual. Since we’re all about getting the best rest possible, here’s how to ease into the time change without the grogginess.
1. Start adjusting early
A few days before the clocks change, shift your bedtime to 15 minutes earlier each night. By the time Sunday rolls around, your body will already be used to the new schedule.
2. Prioritize Your Wind-Down Routine
Good sleep starts before your head even hits the pillow. Stick to relaxing, screen-free activities before bed, like reading, stretching, or having a cup of chamomile tea. A cozy setup helps too.
3. Get Morning Sunlight
Exposure to natural light in the morning helps reset your body’s internal clock. Step outside for your first cup of coffee or go for a short walk to let your brain know it’s time to wake up.
4. Keep Caffeine to One Cup a Day
That mid-afternoon coffee might feel necessary, but caffeine can linger in your system for hours. Swap it for a non-caffeinated tea in the afternoon to make falling asleep easier.
5. Resist the Snooze Button
Yes, losing an hour is rough, but sleeping in will only make it harder to adjust. Stick to your regular wake up time on Sunday and power through, by Monday, you’ll be glad you did.
6. Make Your Bedroom Extra Inviting
If you’re going to lose an hour, you might as well make the rest count. Fresh sheets, a well fluffed pillow, and throw to curl up with can make crawling into bed something to look forward to. The cozier your space, the easier it’ll be to drift off, no matter what the clock says.
While losing an hour of sleep isn’t ideal, a little preparation (and a lot of cozy bedding) can make the transition smoother - so when the clocks jump forward, you’ll be ready to take on the longer days with ease.
