- Nov
- 4
- 2016
Ahhhh Sleep!
As daylight savings time comes to an end most of us will greatly appreciate that extra hour of sleep.
Here are some things to consider – suggested by Northwell Health’s Employee Assistance Program:
If you don’t wake up by a mobile phone you may need to adjust your digital alarm. Forgetting to make the change and showing up too early for scheduled events could make that extra hour a waste of time!
With respect to sleep quality, remember to adjust you programmable thermostats to reflect the time change. Setting your thermostat several degrees cooler during sleep time generally results in deeper and more restful sleep. Raising the temperature about thirty minutes before wake time will allow for a more gradual, peaceful awakening.
As a general rule of thumb, you are best off not shocking your system by awakening too quickly. Your body’s circadian circuitry functions better with smooth transitions rather than awakening abruptly particularly from a deep sleep. Awakening abruptly from a deep sleep can greatly affect, alertness, digestion, memory and problem solving for the rest of the day.
All in all, most people fully adjust to one hour clock DST adjustments in one to two days, most all effects are completely over by the third day—even during the more challenging spring transition.
Submitted by:
Curtis W. Reisinger, Ph.D., Corporate Director, Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential solution focused consulting service for Northwell Health employees and their benefit eligible family members. Your EAP offers short-term goal directed coaching and counseling which focuses on helping you find solutions rather than focusing on problems. Our goal is to help find you reasonable, realistic solutions that bring on relief to your problems as soon as possible.
Email eap2@northwell.edu or call 1-877-327-4968 to make an appointment today.