Time shift

How to prevent a mini-jetlag

Soon, it is going be time again. Time, to set the clocks back from 3.a.m. to 2.a.m. More precisely, on Sunday, October 29^th 2017. The initial plan was to save energy, meanwhile the result is very questionable. But, one thing is certain: the time shift has several negative impacts on the human organism. The consequences differ individually. Each human being has an inner, biological clock controlling the sleep-wake-rhythm. The imminent time shift is going to disturb this rhythm, similar to a jetlag.

Consequences

Normally, the time shift in October is not as hard to cope with as the one in spring. But, many women, children as well as elderlies and sensitive people, strongly feel the longer day and need a couple of days to balance the biorhythm. Some symptoms are:

• tiredness, fatigue
• problems to fall asleep and to sleep through
• concentration disturbances
• irritability
• depressive moods

Prevention

Unfortunately, you can’t go by the hope that the time-shifts are going to be ceased. You only have the chance to attune to a mini-jetlag and to prevent from negative consequences.

It makes sense to prolong the days before the actual shift. Going to bed 15 minutes or half an hour later makes it easier for your body and your mind to adapt to the new time. Healthy nutrition, rich in vitamins and proteins, supports your organism and gives power. Furthermore, it is advisable to regularly spend time outdoors. Best time is lunchtime. Daylight sets the inner pace and helps to stabilize the day-night-rhythm. Combined with a regular daily routine as well as sufficient movement these measures surely support you in minimizing your symptoms. A certain amount of humor and positive perception are helpful for all suffering under the time-shift – the 29^th of October has 25 hours – one extra hour, especially for you.

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Source: Editorial – Simply healthy sleep