BEDFORD – On Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 a.m. clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1:00 a.m.
The U.S. is one of 70 countries to participate in Daylight Saving Time (DST). Starting in 1918, “fast time” was introduced and has been utilized since then. The true reason why DST was created was to create a way to save energy and to get more use out of our natural daylight.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and back again in the fall, in order to make better use of natural daylight.
Here is how daylight saving time affects families:
- Nearly 70% of parents want the time changes to stop. Only 31% of parents support keeping things the same as they are now.
- Most kids take 3+ days to adjust: It takes three or more days for most kids under 5 years old to adjust to daylight saving time (55%).
- Standard time is recommended by sleep experts. Pediatric sleep experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, advocate for the permanency of standard time (vs. daylight saving time) as it better aligns with our circadian rhythm, which is especially true in the case of young kids who are naturally early risers.
How to beat the time change at home:
- Try using an “okay-to-wake” clock. To help kids experience the time, this type of clock allows you to communicate when it’s okay to wake up the household with colors that emanate from the device. The device can also be a sound machine, clock, and night light all in one. It’s a sleep training device that can come in handy with young children, particularly during a daylight saving time change.
- Gradually adjust sleep schedules at home by about 15 minutes earlier per day. A pediatric sleep specialist suggests that parents and caregivers move their family’s bedtimes, mealtimes, and other routines slightly earlier and earlier for the three to four days leading up to DST to reduce the impact of the change on the day.
- Families can also help resync their systems by spending time outside in the mornings and minimizing bright light exposure in the evenings.
