black woman sleeping1So, what are you going to do with that extra hour when we turn back the time at 2 a.m. Sunday?

Sex and sleep typically top the list, and another hour of sleep is actually good for you. Some studies show fewer heart attacks occur on the Monday after the autumnal adjustment.

Other plans include hanging out later on Saturday night or using the extra cushion to get ready on Sunday morning with more time to get good seats at places of worship.

The fall time change tends to be easier on us than spring, but even a small change in our sleep patterns can affect our circadian rhythms or mind-body balance, according to the UCLA Sleep Disorders Center.

Here are some things to keep in mind for returning to standard time:

  • Change every clock and watch. It could throw you off to put on a backup watch that has the wrong time or if you forget that the clock in your car is off schedule.
  • Listen to your body and consider going to bed earlier, by maintaining your regular sleep schedule at night and in the morning, Harvard Medical School recommends. Otherwise, get up a few minutes earlier at least a few days a week until you adjust.
  • Soak up as much sunlight as you can. Talk to your doctor about taking extra vitamin D or if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.
  • Maximize physical activity for the children in your life. They’ll have less daylight for playtime outdoors after they finish their homework.
  • Take advantage of the change by changing your habits if you’ve succumbed to CP Time or you’re prone to being “fashionably late.” And keep in mind that setting your timepieces 5, 10 or 15 minutes faster isn’t a real solution.

About Fierce Fridays — Tips for Weekend Well-Being

We each cherish those precious days off at the end of the week, but increasingly those of us who are charter members of the sisterhood of the stressed and overworked are losing our Saturday and Sunday leisure time to weekend work and domestic duties.

To make sure that you do something every weekend that’s just for you, we’ll be sharing a little advice to make those 48 hours a great time to recharge your batteries, bring a little good news into your life, or discover a quick and easy way to improve your health.