HEALTH

 

We all love to indulge in a little (or sometimes, a lot of) extra sleep on a lazy Sunday morning—and this weekend, you'll get a full additional hour on top of your usual Saturday night snooze sesh thanks to Daylight Savings Time. But sometimes changing the time, even if it means more sleep, can really throw off your sched, and your bod. Keep the following tips in mind when you turn back the clock tomorrow night.

Stick to your regular schedule. Sleeping *too* much can leave you groggy. Plus, it could leave you wide awake when Sunday night rolls around...which means waking up on Monday will be even worse than normal. No thank you.

Get out of bed. If you're tired, it's okay to sleep for the extra hour. But if you find yourself up at 7 a.m. (because you usually wake up at 8), get up and take advantage of an early start. Whip up an extra fancy breakfast or crack open your algebra textbook to study for next week's test. Getting up, even if it's early, will help keep your circadian rhythm and your body's natural cycle on track.

Stay active. Daylight savings time has a similar effect to jet lag, so chances are, you'll be dragging in the morning. Fight the fatigue by being productive, getting in some exercise and eating nutritious foods that will boost your energy. It can be tempting to nap, but try not to so that you're able to get a solid night of rest to start off your week.

Ask for help if you need it. When you wake up in the dark and get home from class in the dark, it's easy to feel a little glum. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real thing, so if your low mood is something you just can't seem to overcome, talk to your parents or a therapist.

Are you excited for an extra hour of sleep? Share how you cope in the comments! 

by Amanda Tarlton | 11/4/2016