On Sunday, our clocks “sprang forward” at 2:00 am, essentially robbing us of an entire hour of sleep. While we gain an extra hour of sunlight, many people have a hard time dealing with the loss of sleep. Below are some tips to help you and your family cope with the transition.

• Avoid sleeping in on the weekends. By allowing yourself to sleep in, you are regulating your body to need that time. Instead, continuously rise at the same time on weekends as you do throughout the week to keep your body in check.
• Give your body time to unwind in the evening. Exercise before 6:00 pm, shut off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime and allow your body to relax.
• Resist that extra cup of coffee or energy drink. Refrain from drinking or eating any caffeinated substance close to bedtime to avoid stimulation leading to lack of sleep. Try drinking a cup of chamomile before bed to help you relax.
• Be patient. New sleep schedules take getting used to, so try to be patient with yourself and allow your body to adjust to the new rhythm.

The transition this spring can be difficult, but it will become much less challenging with these tips.