Tonight, it’s time to turn the clock back one hour.
But despite brighter mornings, we are moving towards darker times – and according to sleep expert Arne Lowdén, there are several things to watch out for.
– You can count on getting a little sleepier and more tired, he says.
The night to Sunday will be the longest of the year. The switch to winter time is debated, but according to Arne Lowdén, there are advantages to turning the clock back to get brighter mornings.
– But it is still the case that we will find it much darker in our everyday life, says the sleep expert.
“Not a good situation”
And taking advantage of the morning light is important to keep the circadian rhythm in balance, according to Arne Lowdén.
– The morning light is a little special. It makes us more alert in the morning and tired in the evening. This is what many of us need, just that kind of light.
When darkness draws in earlier, many compensate by lighting up the home. A bad idea, says Lowdén.
– The late afternoon light makes us more alert in the evening. Especially if we get light in the evenings, then it is not a good situation. Then we become much more alert in the evening and tired in the morning.
This is how pets are affected
Instead, you should aim for “cozy lighting” to optimize the chances of falling asleep well at night and waking up refreshed.
Arne Lowdén also recommends taking advantage of the extra hour of sleep last night, and taking a nap on Sunday. But despite that, many risk feeling extra tired for a few days to come.
– This will also be felt on our children, perhaps on our pets. They too are used to getting up at certain times and have a circadian rhythm just like us.