Experts warn ‘springing forward’ is really affecting our health

Daylight saving causes all sorts of problems for health and sleep

Daylight saving time is this weekend, and if the time to reset your clocks snuck up on you, you're not alone. While later sunsets will be a boon for many Americans tired of short days and a lack of vitamin D, there are also downsides to "springing forward" — losing an hour of sleep and darker mornings for the next eight months.

But with a few adjustments to your schedule — and maybe some help from a weighted eye mask or sleep-promoting pillow mist — you can make this year's daylight saving time a little easier on yourself.

Shop this article: Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask, Baloo Pillow Mist, Pharmedoc Memory Foam Side Sleeper Curved Deep Center Pillows

Tips to manage daylight saving time

Science actually shows that daylight saving, originally implemented to save on fuel in wartime, is pretty bad for us. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that seasonal time changes are associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, strokes, hospital admissions and higher stress levels.

To minimize the harmful effects of losing an hour of sleep due to the upcoming time change, the academy recommends:

• Adjust your schedule: Ensure you get at least seven hours of sleep a night, before, during and after daylight saving time.
• Do it slowly: Gradually adjusting your bedtime and rise time (by 15 to 20 minutes each day) will make the transition easier on your body.
• It's not just about sleep: Adjusting the times of other parts of your routine, like mealtimes, that act as "time cues" for your body.
• Get plenty of sleep Saturday night: Set your clocks an hour ahead the night before daylight saving time, and go to bed at your normal time.
• Let nature help you: Go outdoors in the week following daylight saving time, as sunlight will help regulate your body clock.

Products to help manage daylight saving time

Baloo Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask

This silk sleep mask is gentle on your skin — plus light-blocking and sound-muffling for peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.

Baloo Pillow Mist

Certain scents promote relaxation and rest, and their essential oils are blended in this pillow spray to create the perfect environment for a good night's sleep: lavender, chamomile, rosemary and lemon.

Pharmedoc Memory Foam Side Sleeper Curved Deep Center Pillows

If you're a side sleeper, this pillow is for you. It's specially designed to offer full neck support — but you can remove filling and flip it over to adjust the shape and make it ideal for other sleep styles, too.

Muslin Comfort The 365 Blanket

This oversized blanket is designed with a breathable, organic cotton weave that keeps you at the perfect temperature in all seasons — 365 days a year.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Sleep at the perfect temperature with a smart thermostat. With the Google Nest, you can set sleep routines that automatically adjust the temperature depending on a schedule. It even learns your preferences over time.

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

Loftie isn't just a smart alarm clock. It's also a sound machine, Bluetooth speaker and nightlight all in one.

JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock

Wake up naturally with this alarm clock that mimics the sun, using your body's own circadian rhythm to help you wake up refreshed.

LC-dolida 3D Sleep Mask Bluetooth Wireless Music Eye Mask

An eye mask and Bluetooth headphones in one, this wireless sleep mask blocks light and lets you fall asleep to your favorite audiobook, podcast or white noise.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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