The best part about daylight saving time in San Diego is that it gives you more time to stroll on the beach or take a hike in the hills at the end of the day. But for some, the adjustment can really mess up their sleep pattern.
The time change begins Sunday, March 8, when we set our clocks ahead one hour at 2 a.m. That's also when "our body clocks are going to face a new set of problems - the inability to fall asleep and get up easily at a new time" local experts at Alvarado Hospital said.
Other common complaints include fatigue, memory lapses, impaired reaction time or even clumsiness, sleep specialist Perry Mansfield, M.D. said.
Dr. Mansfield offers the following tips to overcome a temporary disruption in your sleepy time routine:
- Avoid over exertion and muscle fatigue immediately before bedtime.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine within two to four hours of going to sleep.
- Relax an hour or so before getting in bed. Read, listen to music or take a warm (not hot) bath.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and at a moderate temperature (60-65 degrees for most people).
- Get into bed and progressively relax each muscle area, starting with the toes and traveling slowly up to your head.
For those who have difficulty falling asleep, you can click on Alvarado Hospital for tips on how to overcome a more serious problem including cutting your time in bed by an hour to get you back on track.
