Doctors recommend new sleep routines ahead of time change Sunday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It is that time again. Time change is happening this Sunday, November 5.

Although we may be gaining an extra hour of sleep, this can still disrupt our sleep patterns.

Doctors recommend the public starts adjusting their sleep routines now.

“Whether we spring forward and lose an hour, which is particularly bad, or we fall back and gain an hour, it is bad for the body overall,” said Dr. Anuj Chandra, Medical Director of the Advanced Center for Sleep Disorders. “It is more stressful, and we need to start making changes now.” 

Time change disrupts our sleep-wake cycles. This can cause serious problems.

Those problems may include driving accidents, low school performance and more.

“It causes many medical problems, increased risk of heart attacks, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, diabetes and weight gain,” said Chandra. “So, sleep affects every single organ system.”

The CDC says 40% of people in Hamilton County get less than seven hours of sleep per night.

And one study shows getting a good night’s sleep can add almost five years to your life.

Tips for getting a better rest can include getting more sun in the day and turning off your phone before bed.

Most importantly, taking prolonged naps can ruin your ability to sleep at night.

“Avoid long naps in the daytime. They are very destructive for nighttime sleep. If you are exhausted you can take a brief power nap for 10 to 15 minutes, but no extended naps,” Chandra stated. “It is going to ruin your nighttime sleep. All these we can do in our daily practice.”