Can't Sleep? Blame the Clock.
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A simple one-hour shift can disrupt your sleep for days. Sleep expert Rebecca Robbins explains why the time change this weekend is harder than you think.
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday in many regions. Clocks will "spring forward" by one hour at 2 a.m.
This shift steals an hour of sleep. It also confuses your body's internal clock, called the circadian rhythm. This rhythm controls when you feel tired or awake.
"The sudden change disrupts our routine," says Robbins. "It can lead to less sleep, daytime fatigue, and even reduced focus."
She offers clear tips to adjust faster:
1. **Seek morning light.** Sunlight soon after waking helps reset your internal clock.
2. **Adjust gradually.** Go to bed 15-20 minutes earlier for a few nights before the change.
3. **Avoid evening screens.** The blue light from phones and computers can trick your brain into feeling alert.
4. **Keep a schedule.** Wake up and eat meals at your regular time, even on weekends.
These steps help your body adapt. The goal is to minimize the sleep disruption caused by the annual clock change.