Daylight Saving Time affects body

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.  Daylight Saving Time can change all that.  Last weekend we adjusted our clocks to end Daylight Saving Time.  Changing the time--and your sleep pattern--can affect your body.

St. Elizabeth Sleep Disorders Center Director Dr. Shahid Ahsan said those changes to your sleep schedule can have negative affects.
   
"People can have symptoms of fatigue, irritability, slow thinking, slow reaction time, moody, more moodiness you know, and maybe exhausted. Children are also noted to be tired or not their normal, you know," said Dr. Ahsan.

Dr. Ahsan said the best way to help our bodies adjust to the change is to plan ahead.  Think about how the sun coming up earlier in the morning can disturb your sleep.

"Put the curtains on, make sure the room is dark early in the morning, and once they wake up obviously, they need to adjust to the new time, it's a good idea to open the windows, expose themselves to bright light," said Dr. Ahsan.

Tips for getting a good night's rest:

• Maintain a regular wake-up time, even on weekends.
• Try going to bed only when you are drowsy.
• Limit your nightly sleep to eight hours.
• Get out of bed at a regular time, even if sleep is poor, as sleeping in can disturb your sleep the following night.
• Avoid daytime napping.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages in the evening.
• Avoid caffeine within six to eight hours of bedtime.
• Do not smoke just before bedtime or during the night.
• Avoid heavy meals too close to bedtime.
• Exercise regularly during the day, but avoid exercise within four hours of bedtime.
• Keep the bedroom dark and quiet.
• Maintain a comfortable temperature in bedroom.