Daylight saving and sleeping tips for the extra hour
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- In the 1950’s, the average amount of sleep for people was nine hours. Now the average amount of sleep for people is between six and seven hours. With daylight saving around the corner, there are a few things you may need to know when it comes to daylight saving and how it impacts all of us this weekend, Getting enough sleep makes a difference in everyone’s day
Times are changing, and daylight saving could impact how we function throughout our daily lives.
Dr. Michael J. Zachek, Graves Gilbert Clinic, describes this change as … if our job was to turn the lights on and off in Mammoth Cave, every night, we turn the lights off a little later, and every morning we turn the lights on. A little later. Our brain clock is longer than 24 hours. ”
Changing the time can be exhausting, and a few people want to stay in one standard time all the time. There’s even an act that has been signed by the state of Kentucky that could- make this happen.
Weather Chief Chris Allen shares his knowledge of the act and how it can affect so many people. He says, “The Sunshine Act was designed to make it so that we stay on one time all the time when it is in effect officially as law, then Kentucky goes along with it. But we’re not there yet, so we’re still going to have to fall back and we’re still going to have to spring forward until that law goes into effect. ”
Since the act has not been passed daylight saving is a go. You may think you could use this extra hour as an excuse to stay up later, but it’s not. Lack of sleep can create large problems over time. Dr. Zachek says, “Depression is linked to not enough sleep. Weight control is linked to not enough sleep. If we’re not sleeping enough, we have to have more energy. We need to eat more. Even if we’re not expending all that energy makes us gain weight. Lots of problems occur when people don’t sleep enough, so I would encourage all of us to try and get 8 hours of sleep every night… A good rest means better athletic performance and better academic performance. It’s a key to to success in life.”
Although it’s easier to stay up later, not enough sleep is not good for anyone. Some steps you can take when it comes to sleeping for people who want to stay up early, don’t use electronics at least 1 hour before you go to sleep. For people who find it easier to fall asleep during the day, you should interact with some type of light source or electronic. This extra hour of sleep can affect all ages. However, it does not change the fact that people need to be sleeping at least 8 and 1/2 to 9 hours.
