Checking In After the Time Change: How Are You Feeling?

Hey everyone! 👋 How did you make out with the time change this week? It's incredible how just one hour can throw us off, isn’t it? And even though we’re supposedly “gaining” an hour in the fall, the disruption can still be significant. If you found yourself struggling this week, you're definitely not alone.

Why Does Time Change Affect Us So Much?

Our bodies are deeply attuned to rhythms—particularly our circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy, hormone levels, and even digestion. This clock relies on light and regular habits to stay in sync. When the clock suddenly changes, it’s like we’re forcing our bodies into a new time zone without traveling. This sudden shift can lead to disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, mood changes, and even digestive issues.

Spring vs. Fall: Which Is Harder to Adjust To?

It might seem like "falling back" in the autumn (when we gain an hour) would be easier since we’re adding extra sleep time. But for many people, springing forward in the spring is actually harder. In the spring, we lose an hour, making it similar to a mini case of jet lag. Studies show that springing forward can increase sleep disturbances and even lead to more health risks, like heart issues and mood imbalances, because it takes away from our natural sleep duration. Fall's "extra hour" can feel less disruptive, but even so, that change can still throw off our natural rhythm, causing restless sleep or sluggish energy for a few days.

What’s Really Going On in the Body?

When we adjust our clocks, our bodies aren’t instantly aware of this change:

Melatonin Production: Melatonin, our “sleep hormone,” is naturally released as it gets dark, helping us feel sleepy. The time change can throw off melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep or wake up on time.
Cortisol Levels: Cortisol, our “wake-up hormone,” peaks in the morning to help us feel alert. An hour shift can cause mismatched cortisol peaks, so we might feel sleepy in the morning or overly alert at night.
Digestive Rhythm: Eating and digesting also follow a circadian pattern, so sudden changes can lead to disrupted hunger cues, digestion, and energy levels.

Let’s Hear from You! How did this time change affect you? Were you more tired, or did you find it easier to adjust? Do you have any tricks that helped make it smoother? Drop a comment below, and let’s share how we’re adapting! 👇

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