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KU Med doctor gives tips to combat Daylight Saving Time slump

By Darren Doyle

KU Med doctor gives tips to combat Daylight Saving Time slump

Clocks will fall back on November 2 at 2:00 am CST for Daylight Saving Time; however, some are worried about combating the slump that comes with it.

Dr. Saurav Luthra, the Director of the Sleep Clinic at the University of Kansas Health System, offered some tips on why we might feel more tired or off during this biannual occurrence.

But why does Daylight Saving Time mess with our bodies so much?

"We function based on our internal circadian rhythm, which is really our body's natural 24-hour clock, and that regulates a lot of things, especially your alertness, how well you think, your mood, andeven your digestion," said Dr. Luthra.

This can also lead to changes in metabolism or blood pressure, according to the doctor.

He explains that when we have this shift, the brain feels out of sync, which means people now feel more irritable. Usually, these things take a few days to adjust to.

Tips to combat the change, according to Dr. Luthra, can include shifting to a slightly earlier bedtime by at least 15 minutes, the KU Med expert said.

Other ways include getting enough morning light when waking up with a light box that mimics sunlight. Keeping this up with a consistent wake-up time, especially on the weekends, can help adjust.

The doctor also suggests adding activity to one's morning routine, such as a short walk or light exercise.

It's also recommended that if there seems to be too much change, visit a primary care physician or a mental health expert.

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