Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. Clocks fall back an hour early Sunday morning, so be sure to set your clock back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday to give yourself an extra hour of sleep.
But, is your body ready for it?
It will be getting dark around 5 p.m. beginning Sunday afternoon and that means Seasonal Affected Disorder for some people.
Maddison Taylor researched SAD at the University of Pittsburgh, and says you should try and get exposure to light when and where you can, “especially in the morning.”
“That’s getting outside, that’s having your window open in the morning, letting that light sort of, get into your home,” said Taylor. “This morning light is really important for trying to maintain our circadian rhythms, which will your sleep and maintain your energy levels.”
She also recommends trying to get outdoors for a few minutes during the day, even if it's cloudy because there's enough light outdoors to provide a benefit.
Telltale signs of SAD include a lack of energy, lack of appetite, loss of interest and disrupted sleep that is persistent.
Taylor says if you notice SAD affecting you, it’s important “keep consistency in your schedule” by getting light in the morning and keeping active during the day.
If you begin to notice SAD affecting you, you can contact your health professional.