It’s the second Friday night in March, and Sunday is coming. Daylight Savings is upon us and that means our precious sleep schedules are under threat! Here are some great tips to optimize survival.
1. Don’t Wait For Sunday Night
Move bedtime up 20 minutes tonight and then another 20 minutes on Saturday. That leaves the final 20 minutes for Sunday night!
It’s so simple. Why didn’t we think of this sooner?!
2. “But it’s still Light Outside!”
“That’s because the son is jealous of the moon. He wants to spend more time with you, sweet children! Let’s show him how we sleep!” Or some such thing. You could try reason, I suppose.
Mostly I combat this one by hanging dark curtains. In Alberta we have need of these marvelous curtains for most of the year. Thanks for nothing, 10pm Summer Sunsets!
3. Don’t Change The Routine
Aside from upping the timing, keep bedtime as close to normal as possible. If you usually do bath, then story, then bed, stick with that winning combo. Last year I added an Okay to Wake Clock (read my Gro Clock Review) and it came with a little story book, so we used that one for our bedtime story and I think it made a difference.
4. Shut down screen time earlier, too
Any televisions or tablets need to be turned off at least an hour before the newly advanced bedtime. We want that melatonin kicking in, and screen lights mess that up.
Keep this one going throughout the week, even after the time change, as it really does help. We’ve made it a regular habit year round with great results.
5. Remember, our spirits are with you
We are all going through the same crap. Hug your fellow moms and dads this week and spread the coffee love, because they’re probably dying a little inside just like you.
Really good tips. I wish I had read this blog before DST this year. The combination of DST & 4 mo. sleep regression was a killer for my daughter for about a week.