PINELLAS PARK -- We "spring forward" March 12th, setting our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time.
It can take two weeks or as much as a month to adapt to that loss of sleep, according to a Tampa Bay area sleep specialist. Dr. Michelle Zetoony says America is a "sleep-deprived society" and that springing forward highlights the fact. "What we end up having is this lack of ability to... (adapt) to getting enough sleep the next day. We don't have that hour and we have to realize how much we miss it."
She says people can take two weeks to adjust, and up to a month if they're older.
"It's really hard to accommodate to even less sleep than we normally get, and we try to sleep a little later in the day. But later in the day doesn't happen after this time change," Zetoony said.
She says the early morning darkness (sunrise in Tampa will be 7:42 a.m. Monday) makes the change even harder.
Zetoony says the best strategy is to start going to bed earlier a few days before the change, about 15-20 minutes earlier each night. It's similar to the strategy for dealing with jet lag. Staying hydrated, staying active and avoiding alcohol if you get caught short on sleep after springing forward.
Dr. Zetoony also co-hosts a podcast on sleep with clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Baughn called "Sleep Takeout."
Listen an interview with Dr. Zetoony below. Then listen to an episode of her own podcast.
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