Daylight Savings Time Tips for Students

What is Daylight Savings Time and Circadian Rhythm?

Daylight Savings Time (DST) is adjusted to achieve extended evening daylight in the summer by setting the clocks ahead an hour of the standard time.

Circadian rhythm is the body’s natural 24-hour cycle, regulating being asleep at night and awake during the daytime, set by exposure to daylight during the day.

What Purpose Does Daylight Savings Time Serve?

If your internal clock can't sync with the sun’s click, you may be more tired in the morning and awake in the evening, leading to a thrown-off circadian rhythm. Also, it could disrupt your sleep homeostasis and lack of sleep and impact other body functions. 

Sleep deprivation can cause issues with your cognitive and physical functions.

Tips to Prepare

Understandably, a one-hour shift in sleep can be difficult for kids, disrupting sleep cycles, causing early morning wakeups, bedtime resistance, and even extra night-waking.

Fortunately, there are ways to make the adjustment easier for kids. Below are some tips to prepare for the time change:

1. Slowly adjust your schedule by going to bed about 15 minutes earlier each day.
2. Get good sleep on nights leading up to DST to ensure your body is well rested for the time change.
3. Allow at least 2 hours between dinner and going to bed. Also, limit spicy foods during this time.
4. Consider decaffeinated beverages in the late afternoon/evening.
5. Turn off screen time/devices at least 30 minutes before bed.