March is here, and that means it’s time to “Spring Forward” and change your clocks on Sunday, March 11! It is common for people to have sleep issues after this time change, so here are some tips to help you feel more rested:
1-minute tip: Turn off the technology. Not only does the work that likely takes place on your laptop or phone cause stress and sleep issues, but the bright lights from phones and computers themselves have been proven to affect quality of sleep.
15-minute tip: Meditate before bed. It is much easier to fall asleep with a clear head and calm demeanor. Incorporating a meditation ritual into your daily routine has been shown to reduce insomnia while avoiding the sometimes harmful side effects of certain sleep medications.
30-minute tip: Stay active. Moderate-intensity aerobic activities such as walking are particularly beneficial to a good night’s sleep. Generally, for sleep purposes, it’s best to work out at least 5 hours before you go to bed. This gives your body enough time for the temperature to drop and for you to feel sleepy.
This article first appeared in the March 2016 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter, and was updated in March 2018.
