IU Health South Region physician gives tips to prepare for Daylight Saving Time

At 2 am on Sunday, March 8, the majority of Indiana will spring forward an hour for Daylight Saving Time, meaning the evenings will be brighter for longer and the mornings will be darker.

“This change tends to be more disruptive compared to the fall when we fall back an hour,” said IU Health South Region Emergency Medicine physician Ethan Farmer, DO. “Springing forward an hour is more than just losing an hour of sleep; it takes a toll as your body adjusts to everything being earlier than what you’re used to.”

Lost sleep and the lack of sunlight in the morning makes your body less prepared to start the day, potentially leading to fatigue, irritability and more. Studies have also shown an increase in other areas following Daylight Saving Time, including car accidents, heart attacks and strokes.

Planning ahead and starting to adapt to the change before it happens can be helpful. Try the following in the four days leading up to Daylight Saving:

• Go to bed earlier in 15-minute increments
• Avoid light one hour earlier in the evening, prior to bed
• Stop drinking caffeine a bit earlier than you typically would

Avoiding alcohol, minimizing morning obligations and updating your clocks in advance can also help your body adjust. In the mornings following the change, prepare to wear bright, reflective clothing and carrying flashlights when walking and be extra vigilant when driving.

Dr. Farmer added, “Don’t let healthy habits fall to the wayside during this time.”

Some of those year-round healthy habits include:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Having at least 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep if you’re an adult
• Putting electronics away at least an hour before bedtime

“Our phones may automatically switch over when Daylight Saving Time comes around, but our bodies aren’t built that way,” said Dr. Farmer. “Set yourself up for success by preparing for the change.”