3 Sleep Tips for the End of Daylight Saving Time

Just when you thought you were getting all settled into your bedroom routine, daylight saving time is coming to an end. At exactly 2 am on Saturday, you'll gain an extra hour of sleep as our iPhones revert back to standard time. And while those additional sixty minutes will likely feel glorious when you're sleeping in on Sunday, they could wreak havoc on your normal weekly routine.  

To avoid a Monday slumber slump, consider these 3 sleep tips for surviving the end of daylight saving time: 

Stick to Your Bedtime Rituals 

Losing daylight can make us feel like we should head to bed earlier than normal, but going to sleep at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning is best. If you like to shower before bed, sip chamomile tea or read a book, stick with it. Your body registers these nightly rituals as a cue that it's time to get ready for bed.  

Aim for 7 to 8 Hours of Sleep

According to the New York Times, a lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, workplace accidents, impaired driving, a lack of focus and an increased chance of catching a cold as temperatures drop this fall. Ain't nobody got time for that. By sleeping for 7 to 8 hours a night, your allowing your body to get the rest it needs to perform at its peak on a daily basis. 

Avoid Long Naps

In colder weather, it can be tempting to hibernate (we've all been there!). And while naps can be rejuvenating, they can make you overly drowsy if you overindulge, making it harder to fall asleep at bedtime.  A twenty-minute power nap is really all you need to soak up the benefits of some much-needed shut-eye. If you sleep longer than twenty minutes in the afternoon, you may slip into a deeper stage of sleep and wake up with that dreaded groggy feeling.