Adjusting to Daylight Savings
Twice a year we all set our clocks one hour forward or one hour back to make the days brighter and longer. In the fall we “fall back” so that it is brighter earlier in the morning, while we “spring forward” in the spring for more sunshine in the evenings. While this time change can help bring more sunlight to our days, it can be a tough adjustment for kids. Here are a few tips to help survive the shift!
Adjust bedtime
A couple days before daylight savings, try and shift your child’s bedtime and wake-up in increments and work up to an hour earlier or later, depending on the change. Doing this will help their system not be as shocked with the abrupt time change.
Control the Lights
Daylight saving time can throw off the natural cycle of children who rely heavily on routine. Dimming the lights in your child’s room about 30 minutes before bed can help increase sleep time and quality. In the morning, allow more natural sunlight to help with waking up. When daylight saving time ends, the key is to make sure children don’t wake up too early or go to bed too early. This can be done by keeping light exposure in the evening and making sure it doesn’t get too bright in the morning.
Stick to a Routine
Whether daylight saving time is beginning or ending, it is important to stick with a bedtime routine so that a change in schedule doesn’t throw them off. It is critical for children to have a routine, especially during bedtime.
With these tips you can tackle daylight saving time with confidence and all get a great night sleep with plenty of energy for the next day!
