Kenneth Lee, neurologist and medical director at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Sleep Center, advises preparing for the upcoming time change by gradually adjusting sleep habits.
Most of the United States will move clocks back by one hour at 2 a.m. this Sunday, shifting from daylight saving time to standard time. This year’s daylight saving period began on March 9 and traces its origins back to 1918, introduced to conserve fuel during World War I.
The system has been losing public support over the years. According to a recent AP-NORC poll, 47 percent of adults oppose daylight saving time. Currently, all states except Arizona and Hawaii follow the practice and will make the adjustment on Sunday.
“Change your clock on Saturday evening so that way you are acclimated to it,” said Kenneth Lee.
For families with young children, Lee—who has two sons—suggests using the same gradual approach by adjusting bedtime and clocks a few days in advance.
Author’s summary: Gradual bedtime adjustments and mindful scheduling can ease the transition as daylight saving time ends across most of the U.S. this Sunday.