Can the start of Daylight Saving Time mean MORE SLEEP for parents? This Spring time change is often met with anxiety as it is often associated with losing an hour of sleep. Especially if you have to get up for work at a particular time. However, for parents with babies and young children, the Spring time change can be a delight. Since little ones can't tell time, they may actually sleep in an extra hour (or seem to.) The time change can also be good news for early risers too.
How parents can get more sleep?
There are two ways you can use the time change to get more sleep.
- The Sleep in. On the weekend of the time change, you can manage bedtimes so your child sleeps in, at least in the short term. Keep in mind that 6am will now be 7am. As long as you put your child to bed at the normal time on Saturday night and you go to bed earlier than normal, you can enjoy a lazy Sunday Morning.
In order to take advantage of this extra hour of sleep, on Saturday night, put your children to bed at the normal time but be sure that you go to bed earlier than usual. Don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour before bed if they don't change automatically. If you don't have to get your child up at a particular time in the week, they may continue to sleep in a little later.
2. Resolve early rising with the time change. If you child has been waking up early, especially before 6am, you may be able to keep them on the new time so they sleep in an extra hour or so.
To preseve the later wake up time, keep your child's room dark and expose your little one to bright light when they wake up in the morning at the new time. Bright or outdoor light exposure during the day will also help promote a later schedule. And lastly, try to keep your child from getting overtired before bedtime.
For more details: "Spring" Time Change - Good News for Early Risers
Do I need to prepare for the time change?
Probably not. Most babies, children and adults will adjust naturally to the new time within 5 days simply from exposure to sunlight and regular daily activities, whether you use a gradual transition or not. Some people are more sensitive to these changes and taking steps to gradually acclimate to the new time can help but for most people it is not necessary.
Gradual transition steps
While most of the world may be grumbling about the start of Daylight Saving Time, as parents you can relax and possibly enjoy a bit more sleep. The Spring time change is usually a smooth transition for familiies with young children and may even result in a bit more sleep. My best advice for parents is relax, go to bed early, and enjoy a lazy Sunday morning!
Let me know how your transition into spring goes. Did you use any of these tips? Do you have any other advice for parents?
I look forward to hearing from you ~ Andrea
