Stay Ahead with your Sleep as we 'Fall Back'

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CLEVELAND - On Sunday, most of us will have to turn the clocks back an hour to mark the end of daylight saving time.

Although some might struggle with the change because it gets darker earlier, most sleep experts welcome it.

“The change from daylight saving time back to standard time is the better one for our sleep, and it's not because people think we gain an hour of sleep,” explained Alicia Roth, PhD, a sleep psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “It's because we're going back to standard time, which scientists and researchers in the sleep world all agree is the better time for our bodies.”

Dr. Roth said standard time is better aligned with our natural sleep-wake cycle.

That’s because more light in the morning signals that it’s time to wake up – while the darkness earlier in the evenings helps our bodies produce melatonin to fall asleep.

If you struggle with it getting darker earlier, you can try adjusting your sleep schedule, if possible, to get the most out of the daylight hours.

Dr. Roth stressed we’ve already made it past the harder time change in the spring, and it shouldn’t be difficult for our bodies to adapt back to standard time.

However, she has a go-to tip when it comes to sleep in general.

“The golden rule for sleep is never get into bed until you're very sleepy, so don't get into bed to try to get sleepy, don't get into bed hoping you'll get sleepy – only go to bed once you're already feeling sleepy,” Dr. Roth said.

Dr. Roth added it’s always important to remember to talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist if you’re continually having issues with your sleep.