By Cal Orey, M.A.
Last
year, I recall stepping onto the deck one morning and offering a heartfelt,
“Hello Mr. Sunshine!” It was a warm welcome to the vibrant light of Daylight
Saving Time (DST). Sipping my coffee and savoring those lingering rays remain a
fond memory. However, as we prepare for those golden late-afternoon outdoor
chores and sunset views, the reality is that losing that hour of sleep can
trigger a physiological tremor. Our internal clock shifts like a sudden bout of
jet lag, leaving us feeling “off”—mired in brain fog and drained of our usual
oomph. To reclaim our energy, we must reset our body’s natural rhythms and sync
back up with the sun.
Riding the Turbulent Time
Change
Sure, it’s just one hour, but your body treats it like pulling an all-nighter
at work. Because the sun stays out later in the evening, your brain doesn't
start making melatonin (the "sleepy hormone") as early as it should.
Research shows that this sudden shift can lead to feeling tired and grumpy. To
boost your vitality, try this checklist to trick your body to adjust:
ü Ease
Into It: Don't wait until Saturday night to make it right. Try going to bed 15
minutes earlier each night starting a few days before the switch.
ü Find
the Morning Rays: As soon as you wake up, open the blinds. Getting bright light
first thing in the morning tells your brain it’s time to wake up and helps reboot
your internal clock faster.
ü Power
Nap: If you feel sleepy, take a break for about 20 minutes before 3:00 PM. A
quick cat snooze can help you stay on even keel.
ü Lessen
the Evening Blue Light: Since the sun is staying out later, dim the computer
and phone screens inside your home at night. Nix that "blue light"
because it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
Food Tips to Zap
“Time Lag”
Eat
tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, eggs, and cheese. Tryptophan is an amino
acid that works as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin—two hormones that can
help you sleep. Forego caffeine-rich soda and tea hours before bedtime to
ensure deep sleep you want to get. Try good carbs (such as oatmeal) before bed
to help boost a small insulin rise, which triggers tryptophan into the brain. For
more help, log onto the National Sleep Foundation website for more info on how
to prepare for Daylight Saving Time.
CAL OREY,
M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as
adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and
master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State
University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, the new,
revised 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Honey. She is a South Lake Tahoe
local. Her website is www.calorey.com
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