Fall Back, Not Behind

When you think of spring ahead and fall back, I think most would agree, we like the thought of falling back much better because it means an extra hour of sleep. But does it really?

Unfortunately, most don't take advantage of the extra hour of sleep. Some stay out later, or stay up later — which not only negate the time change, but can cause more problems for you over the next week. Others may actually sleep through the time change and think they are getting an extra hour of sleep, but if they don't get up at the same time they normally do, this can still throw off their body clock.

Tips to keeping up with your body's clock:

1. Listen to your body, not your brain.

   If your body says "I'm tired," go to bed, even if the clock says 10 PM and you usually don't go to bed until 11 PM. This is your body's way of staying in sync.

2. Get your body ready to sleep

   — dim the lights, close the blinds, put on your SleepPhones® and turn on some soothing music. Put down your computer, tablets and phones, take a shower before bed, and cut back on caffeinated drinks especially later in the day and evening.

3. Make sure you get enough exercise.

   Exercise can help you sleep sounder and longer and feel more awake during the day. Simply going for a brisk walk during your lunch can help you achieve a better night's rest at bedtime.

Remember, there really are two clocks in your life, the one on your wall and the one in your body. As far as the time change goes, the one in your body is the one to listen to, so be sure to work with it in order to get the most out of the "fall back" time change.