Experts reveal how to ensure the end of Daylight Saving Time doesn't mess up your sleep schedule

Daylight Saving Time is about to come to an end, which means we're all about to gain an extra hour of sleep. 

Clocks across America will go back one hour this Sunday, resulting in everyone getting a slightly longer slumber.

But according to experts, despite the night being an hour longer this weekend, the time change can negatively impact your sleep schedule in the long run.

So how can you take advantage of Daylight Saving Time to get the best night of sleep possible - and ensure that it won't affect your rest going forward? Here's what you need to know.

What is Daylight Saving Time and when will it end in 2024?

Daylight Saving Time is designed to help us take advantage of the longer daylight available during the summertime.

In March, your clock 'springs forward' by one hour, and then in November, it 'falls back' one hour.

It began in the US in 1966, when the federal government enacted the Uniform Time Act, which 'promotes the adoption and observance of uniform time within the standard time zones.'

This year, Daylight Saving Time began on March 10 and will end on Sunday, November 3, at 2am. 

How will the time change affect my sleep?

According to SleepFoundation.org, the time change during Daylight Saving Time 'can interfere with your sleep-wake cycle and may throw off your ability to feel alert in the morning and sleepy at night.'

That's because humans use circadian rhythms, or '24-hour cycles that regulate sleep and other key bodily functions,' which are 'largely dependent on light exposure.'

However, they added that 'sleep disruptions are less likely to occur in November when daylight saving time ends,' but rather, are more common in the spring when the time moves forward.

WebMD stated, however, that 'you might think you gain an hour of sleep when daylight saving time ends in the fall,' but that's not always the case.

The publication said that 'research shows that most people actually lose sleep that night and over the next several days' because 'an earlier bedtime makes it harder to fall and stay asleep.'

How can you prepare for the end of Daylight Saving Time so that your sleep schedule is unaffected? 

Thankfully, SleepFoundation.org said there are a few things you can do to stop yourself from being heavily impacted by the time change.

It recommended avoiding alcohol before going to bed, napping in moderation, spending time outdoors during the day, and establishing a good sleep schedule in the weeks leading up to the end of Daylight Saving Time.

It also suggested 'gradually altering your bedtime two to three days before the transition.'

WebMD echoed the organization's sentiments, writing, 'Gradually adjust your sleep and wake times in the days before the change. 

'On the night before DST ends, stay up for an extra hour past your usual bedtime.  And Expose yourself to light during your waking hours as much as possible. 

'Avoid caffeine and alcohol, adopt a calming bedtime ritual, create a dark and quiet environment for sleeping, and stick to a regular sleep schedule.'

Is Daylight Saving Time ending? 

Over the last couple of years, many have pushed for Daylight Saving Time to come to an end due to the effects it has on sleep and overall health. 

Back in 2022, a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act was passed by the Senate that was going to make the time change permanent, ultimately ending the switch twice a year.

However, it was never approved by the US House of Representatives, so for now, Daylight Saving Time is here to stay.