It happens twice a year, the daylight-saving time change. Spring forward, fall back. That means a change in our sleep cycle. Dr. Davila, medical director of the Baptist Health Sleep Center says "We all have a clock in our system to tell us when to be sleepy when to be awake and that clock is fairly precise. We develop it over time."
That's why even a small adjustment can be a challenge. Davila, says don't give in to the temptation to stay up late this Saturday night. "The key is if you're able to go to bed that earlier time that you do, then you're going to benefit from getting that extra hour of sleep."
He says the change can be difficult for those with sleep disorders or depression. "It's important I think for patients with these disorders to watch their sleep and make sure they're not getting short changed."
Your kids will probably have an easier time adjusting, but there is one major problem teens have year round. Most teens are taking their cell phones to bed with them to chat after bedtime. Not only are they a distraction, they give off light that prevents them from falling asleep. So, make sure phones are in another room at bedtime.
Davila says if you have problems sleeping seek help.
"If you have a minor inconvenience for a day or so probably not a big deal in terms of a little bit of insomnia or sleepiness but if it last for weeks months through the winter and especially if it starts effecting your mood then you probably ought to check with your health care provider."