Spring Forward: Mastering Daylight-Saving Time

In springtime, the flowers blossom, light jackets come out, and the promise of sunnier days fills the air. However, amid our excitement for the warmth, there's a challenge some parents’ tackle: the onset of Daylight-Saving Time. Get ready as our clocks advance by 1 hour. In this blog, we'll delve into the impact of this time shift on your child's sleep and offer useful tips to guide you through it.

As we approach the time change, you essentially have two choices depending on your child's current sleep routine – either maintain the status quo or take proactive measures.

Do Nothing – Fix an Early Waking Problem:

If your little one has been rising at an inconvenient hour, doing nothing might just be the solution. Their internal clock will naturally adjust, resulting in a later wake-up time. However, be mindful that this shift can affect bedtime too. If a temporary fix is all you need, this hands-off approach might be perfect. Enjoy the reprieve but stay attentive if there were underlying issues causing early wake-ups.

Do Something – Adjust to Maintain Balance:

If you're content with your current schedule and want to avoid disrupting it, taking proactive measures is key.

Here are two approaches to consider:

The Minimalist’s Approach (Rip the Bandage Off):

·      Adjust your little one to the new time immediately.

·      On the day of the time change, wake them up at the "new" time.

·      Expect some tiredness initially but continue with your routine.

·      Be patient as their internal clock catches up, usually within a week or two.

The Gradual Shift Approach:

·      Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-up times about 4 nights before the change (Wednesday).

·      Shift your schedule by 15 minutes earlier each day.

·      By the night before the time change, bedtime will be adjusted by 45 minutes.

·      The night of the time change, bedtime will be aligned.

*Check out our gradual shift in time chart on the MetaSleep Instagram page

Toddler Tip: If you use a wake-up clock (ex. GroClock) don’t forget to adjust the time on their clock too.

As we welcome the joys of spring, preparing for the time change doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you choose to let nature take its course or opt for a more gradual adjustment, these tips aim to make the transition smoother for both you and your little one. Happy springing forward!

If you’re struggling with your child’s sleep, book a complimentary discovery call with us. We will empower, guide and support you and your family to live a well-rested lifestyle.