It’s that time of year again – National Napping Day is here! It’s no coincidence that it falls the day after we all reset our clocks for Daylight Savings Time. The time change can definitely put a damper on our sleep schedules, and thus, our energy in the days that follow. And for those who already struggle to get the best sleep of their life on a nightly basis. They’re toast.
Why is Daylight Savings Time even a thing in the first place? Well, the concept was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve energy. However, it wasn’t until World War I that DST was adopted for modern use. Germany and Austria-Hungary were the first two countries to implement it in 1916 as a way to conserve coal during wartime. Soon after, other European countries followed suit, and the rest is history.
Today, many people think that Daylight Savings Time is implemented so that farmers can get up earlier. While there may be some truth to this (farmers do need that early morning light), this isn’t actually the main reason for DST. In reality, DST is meant to make better use of natural daylight by shifting when we begin and end our days. This helps reduce electricity costs because people are using less artificial lighting during peak demand periods such as summer evenings. It also provides us with more time outside, which can have positive impacts on our mental health!
But, as we all know, DST also has its drawbacks – namely, jet lag-like symptoms due to disruption of circadian rhythms from losing or gaining an hour of sleep each year. As a result, many people feel groggy and out of sync for a few days following the time changes in both the fall and spring months.
Ultimately, this makes the day after Daylight Savings Time the absolute perfect time to celebrate National Nap Day and take a good, long eye-rest. But the recovery from Daylight Savings Time is not just about taking a nap; it’s also about getting the best sleep possible so you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Here are five tips to help you get the best sleep of your life.
5) Get Quality Sleep Accessories
Investing in quality items like blackout curtains or an eye mask can help keep out excess light while also providing comfort while sleeping with its soft fabric feel against your skin as well as noise canceling headphones which will help drown out any outside noise disturbances thus providing peace & quiet needed in order to get uninterrupted restful sleeps throughout National Napping Day & beyond!4) Make Sure Your Room Is Dark And Cool
Darkness is key for getting good quality sleep because darkness tells our bodies that it’s time for bed while light tells our bodies that it’s time to stay awake and alert (which is why staring at screens late at night can interfere with falling asleep). Additionally keeping your room cool, between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, helps promote better sleep as well since our bodies naturally drop temperature during our natural circadian rhythm which signals us that its time for restorative sleep (aka quality deep sleep).3) Exercise During The Day
Exercise during the day helps promote better sleep at night since it increases endorphins and releases tension in your body which makes you feel more relaxed overall when it’s time for bed. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day (like walking or jogging) but don’t exercise too close to bedtime as this could have the opposite effect and make it harder for you to fall asleep quickly due to increased energy levels from exercising close to bedtime instead of hours earlier in the day.2) Take Some Time To Unwind Before Bed
Create a nighttime routine that you do before bed every night in order to give your body (and mind) time to wind down from the day’s activities. This can include reading, journaling, or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes. Avoid screens like TVs, phones, and computers as they emit blue light which can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for you to fall asleep quickly.1) Set A Regular Schedule
Getting into a regular sleeping pattern is key for getting restful sleep. Try your best to stick to the same schedule each night, even on weekends. It helps if you can go to bed and wake up around the same time every day. That way, your body will recognize when it’s time for bed and be better prepared for restorative sleep.
