On Sunday, November 1, clocks fall back an hour. An extra hour of sleep sounds great, but a lot of people still feel off for a few days.
Why it throws us off
Your body likes routine. When the clock changes, your sleep, meals and energy can feel out of sync for a while. And it gets dark earlier, which can affect mood and motivation too.
A gentle plan for this week
- Wed to Fri: Move your bedtime 10 to 15 minutes earlier each night
- Saturday: Get outside in the morning light
- Sunday: Keep your normal wake-up time as much as you can, and avoid a long afternoon nap
- Next week: Eat dinner a little earlier and dim the lights an hour before bed
Wind-down habits that help
- Put screens away 30 minutes before bed
- Keep your room cool, dark and quiet
- Try slow breathing: in for 4, out for 6
- Stretch gently before bed
Sleep and your nervous system
When you’re stressed or tired, your body can stay stuck in “go mode.” Chiropractic care focuses on how your spine and nervous system work together, which may help your body feel more relaxed. Everyone is different, and results vary.
When to get help
If trouble sleeping lasts weeks, or comes with pain, talk with your healthcare provider.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice.
