Exhausted Because of the Time Change? Here’s What You Can Do!

Let's face it - we are all going to be a little more tired and cranky for awhile with Daylight Savings Time. We just lost an hour's worth of sleep and since our bodies run on an internal clock, not a man-made one, it's a tough adjustment.

For most of us, the time change itself doesn’t affect our health that much. Some people are barely aware of their body’s adjustment. Experts do say that typically it will take most of us five to seven days before we will be fully invested or adjusted to the new time change. Great, just great. Now I have to wait until the weekend!.

Okay, so we will adjust but can I help myself now? Yes, and here are some things you can do now to help from the website Alamanac.com.

First, try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep tells the body to store fat. While it’s tempting to stay up later or change your habits, it’s best to keep your bed times consistent. The closer you stick to your normal routine, the faster your body will adjust to the time change.

Second, stop with the caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and try to do this at least four hours before going to bed. Put your phone and tablet down and turn the TV off. The light from these devises is stimulating your brain far too much. Read something book- wise. By the way, no workouts either.

Third, keep dinnertime consistent and eat more protein and fewer carbohydrates. Also, if you are getting closer to bedtime and you find yourself feeling snacky, eat something that is high in protein instead of carbs.

Fourth, go outside first thing in the morning if you're able to get more daylight. I'd say sunlight but we all know that's a tough deal here in Michigan.

Last but not least, number five, nap. But just a short cat-nap, not a long one - 20 to 30 minutes is good to retrain your inner clock.

Good luck and don't worry. We should be back to our old selves in a week!