Spring is coming and setting your clocks ahead for daylight savings is a great reminder of warm weather and sunny days to come - right around the corner, I promise! (FINALLY here in Northern California this weekend...)
Not sure about all of you, but I really, really struggle the next week after resetting the time to adjust my own internal clock. Darker mornings for our beach bike rides and walks along our coastside trail are pretty tough around our house. We will just have to adjust our walks to sunset, rather than sunrise. I am okay with that!
Here are Ten Tips to make the sleep deprivation just a little bit easier*:
- Go to bed an hour earlier Saturday night, and enjoy your seven to eight hours of sleep in your cozy bed.
- Kids pay more attention to their internal time clock than timepieces, so make sure that your kiddoes get to bed early on Saturday night too. That way they will be bright eyed and bushy-tailed for Monday morning school routines. (at least you hope so!)
- Don't give into the urge for a long nap, it will really mess up your sleep schedule. Darn it, that's our fave thing to do on a lazy Sunday...
- Limit your caffeine intake in the late afternoon. Maybe try a new decaf tea?
- Watch your cocktail and wine consumption before bedtime - not always a great sleep inducer, even though you might think so!
- Don't eat a big dinner too close to bedtime. (not a great idea any time!)
- If you usually work out at night, maybe mix it up this week to make sure that your exercise routine ends 3 hours before bedtime to give your body (and mind) a chance to relax before climbing into your sheets.
- Wind down with a relaxing activity; stretching, yoga, listening to music or reading a good book. (you know, the one that you've been meaning to read for months....)
- GET OFF of your electronic devices at least 2 hours before snuggling in bed. This means everything; ipads, computers, cell phones, and step away from the tv. Seriously, this is a great habit for good sleep all of the time. Your brain and your eyes need a break.
- Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary. Dark, (no electronic lights - leave your cell phone in the other room), quiet and open your windows to let in the sea breeze. Don't forget great bedding, soft pillows, snuggly throw blankets....
Have a wonderful weekend!
*Adapted from The Los Angeles Times,Health.com, CBS News, Parents.com and SleepLady.com.
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