The Zoomer Report: One Hour Back

Zoomer | November 4th, 2009

Now that we’ve set the clocks back by one hour, here are some tips on how to adjust your internal clock. According to the Toronto Sleep Institute, the best way is to expose yourself to light first thing in the morning. It sends a signal to your brain that the night is over.

Turning the switch on a lamp will do the job, but getting a hit of sunshine is best. Schedule regular meal times. The old adage of breakfast being the most important meal of the day bears truth — it’s your body’s cue that the long fast is over.

At the same time, eating late at night can confuse and stress your digestive system. Minimize caffeine and avoid it in the evening. If you need more than two cups a day, it may be a sign that you’re sleep-deprived.

Get up when your alarm goes off. Hitting the snooze button can be tempting, but it isn’t a healthy way to wake up.

Studies suggest the blaring buzz of alarm clocks can raise blood pressure and elevate your heart rate — so why would you subject yourself to it multiple times by hitting snooze?

And don’t have a nightcap before bed. While it might help you fall asleep, it’ll just wake you up a few hours later.