Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10. That means we will set our clocks forward one hour—or “spring forward.” It also means we will lose an hour of sleep.
Kimberly Honn, PhD, an associate professor in the WSU College of Medicine and a researcher in the WSU Spokane Sleep and Performance Research Center, appeared on KREM 2 News in Spokane Friday morning to discuss the impact of Daylight Saving Time on our bodies.
“Essentially we’re jet lagged. To a small extent, but when it’s population wide, everyone’s feeling that jet lag effect,” Honn said. “You’re a little bit more groggy, you might make more mistakes, you might have trouble falling asleep when you’re trying to adjust to a new time zone essentially. So, give yourself a little extra time to catch up on rest as you’re adjusting.”
Honn also spoke about the importance of helping children adjust to the time change. Parents should schedule enough time for their kids to get the rest they need because it is even harder for their bodies to adjust.
“They’re growing,” Honn said. “[Sleep] is how they’re helping to remember the things they’re learning in school. So, getting enough sleep is really important for them.”
For adults, Honn suggests preparing by setting time aside on Sunday or Monday for rest or a nap. She says the effects of switching to Daylight Saving Time can take up to a week to fully adjust.