A Safe Way To Spring Ahead

Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead this Sunday morning at 2 A.M. Although most welcome spring, more than a few of us dislike the prospect of losing an hour's sleep. This might sound like petty griping, but the Harvard Medical School suggests that it's actually a safety issue. An article in the most recent issue of the Harvard Health Letter likens the loss of an hour's sleep from DST to jet lag and says it decreases focus, makes it harder for people to wake up in the morning and thus fosters increased rushing. The article lists the following precautions to lessen the risks associated with DST:

-Change your clocks early in the day on Saturday so you can get a headstart on the mental and physical adjustment.

-Get plenty of rest on Saturday and try not to alter your usual Saturday night bedtime and Sunday morning wake-up time.

-Don't nap on Sunday and wake up at the usual time on Monday.

-Keep a light schedule on Monday and minimize driving (if possible).

-Check or change the batteries in your smoke dectors.



Source: Harvard Health Beat, March 29, 2006.