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Adjusting to Daylight SavingTime, potential health risks with losing sleep
KTVU's Claudine Wong spoke with Dr. Siresha Chaluvadi, Chief of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente's Oakland Medical Center, about adjusting to Daylight Saving Time. She says a number of health issues can arise from losing just an hour of sleep.
OAKLAND, Calif. - Warmer temperatures make it feel as if spring is in the air, which is a good time to remind all of us to spring ahead one full hour ahead as we return to Daylight Saving Time this weekend.
Helping kids adjust
When clocks spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, families lose an hour of sleep overnight and children often feel the effects the most, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pediatric sleep experts say the sudden shift can temporarily disrupt sleep schedules, mood, concentration, and even appetite. Because young children rely heavily on consistent routines, the change can make bedtime and morning wake-ups more difficult during the first few days after the transition.
The good news: experts say a few simple steps before and after the time change can help kids adjust more smoothly and avoid a week of cranky mornings.
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Impact of daylight savings on your circadian rhythm
Kaiser Permanente Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jessica Bergstrom joined Mornings on 2 to discuss the impact of the time switch on human health.
Start shifting bedtime earlier
Pediatricians suggest moving bedtime 10 to 15 minutes earlier for several nights before the time change if possible. This gradual shift helps the body adjust to the new schedule.
Get plenty of morning sunlight
Exposure to natural morning light helps reset the body’s internal clock, making it easier for kids to wake up and feel alert earlier, according to the Sleep Foundation.
Keep a consistent bedtime routine
Bath, books, and quiet time help signal to a child’s brain that it’s time for sleep — even if the clock suddenly says something different.
Limit screens before bedtime
And the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reminds people that blue light from tablets, phones, and TVs can delay melatonin release and make it harder for children to fall asleep, especially during time changes.
Stick to regular meal times
Keeping meals on a predictable schedule helps regulate the body clock and signals when it’s time to wake and sleep, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
Be patient, adjustment takes a few days
Most children adjust within three to five days, though younger kids may take up to a week.