MICHAEL SMITH, MD: Daylight
saving time is notorious
for throwing people
off schedule.
It can be so bad, Arizona even
decided to get rid of it
altogether.
But unless you live there,
you can't avoid adjusting
the clock, so you might as well
learn to adjust your body.
Here are some tips.
Follow the sun.
Open those shades
in the morning,
and get a good helping of sun
during the day.
At night, dim the lights.
Following the sun's rhythm
will help get your body back
on tempo.
Calm down.
That means no caffeine, alcohol,
or exercise too close
to bedtime.
But exercise during the day
is great, and will help you wind
down later.
Use the time change as an excuse
to pamper yourself
with a hot bath, soft music,
and a good book before bedtime.
You can say it was prescribed
by doctor if you need to.
Adjust your mind.
Don't wait till 2:00 AM
to adjust your clocks.
Wind them back early to get
your mind acclimated.
Go to bed at your updated time,
and avoid the urge to sleep
in the next day.
If you do it right,
it should only take you
about one day
to adjust to the change.
For WebMD, I'm Dr. Michael
Smith.
