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Catching Up on Sleep
Air Date: October 29, 2006 |
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For many of us time is a precious thing, and like college student Stephanie Thorp we welcome turning the clocks back an hour.
"You know, it's hard to adjust but it's really nice to get that extra hour of sleep," says college student Stephanie Thorp.
It's true, in the spring time we're all waking up not having enough sleep. So now it's nice to get that extra hour. But for people who have trouble falling asleep in the first place, sleep lab specialist Rob Galbreath has some advice.
"It can start as simple as watching your fluids. Try not to drink too much before bed. Also, caffeine, you want to try to cut out caffeine at least 8 hours before bedtime." And contrary to popular belief, alcohol will not help you with your sleep. "Alcohol can actually help you fall asleep but what will happen is through the night it's going to cause you increase arousals or awakenings, fragmented sleep through the night."
You also want to avoid heavy meals at least 3 hours before bedtime. To help achieve sleep right away, try taking a warm bath or relax by reading a book. But if you fall asleep easily or you're young like Stephanie - just enjoy your extra hour tomorrow morning.
"I'm going to take advantage and stay up a little later," exclaims Thorp.
In the U.S., Arizona, with the exception of an Indian reservation, and Hawaii are the only places that don't change their clocks. They stay on "standard time" all year long. If you've spent any time in summer sun in those regions you can understand why an extra hour of sunlight is not needed there.
From 1986 to 2006 Daylight Saving Time has been the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but starting in 2007, it will be observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to daylight saving time.
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