Falling back to standard time: Health benefits behind the extra hour of sleep

Unlike Daylight Saving Time where we lose an hour of sleep, we’re getting ready to fall back an hour into standard time, something our bodies benefit from.

Our circadian rhythms are more aligned during standard time.

Setting the clocks back an hour also lines us up with our physical environment, because our mornings will be brighter.

That natural sunlight exposure in the morning helps regulate our mood, metabolism and cardio functions, helpful to our social and professional lives.

When it comes to preparing for the fall back, the first thing you should do is set your clock back one hour before you go to sleep.

You also want to stay as close to your normal sleep schedule as possible. Instead of staying up an extra hour because you know you’re gaining one, you should still go to bed at your normal time.

Experts also recommend at least 7 hours of sleep the day before and after the time change.

Anna Matulewicz, Nurse Practitioner at the Saint Joseph Health System advises, “don’t think about what time it’s going to be changing to, go to bed at your normal time so you get the benefit of getting that extra hour of sleep and you start off standard time on a good foot.”