Fall Back: The End of Daylight Savings Time Isn't As Bad As You Fear

Mexico (and much of the rest of the world) reverts to standard time Sunday, October 25th. This Sunday.
The United States switches back Sunday, November 1st. Next Sunday. The day after Halloween -- an easy night to stay up too late. 

The good news is that "falling back" to standard time isn't nearly as hard as "springing forward" to daylight savings time. Phew. 

But just like in spring, the transition will be easier if you spread it out over a few days. Start 4 days before the time change and each day, move bedtime, naps, and all meal times 15 minutes later. 

If you have an especially sensitive infant or toddler, you may even want to start 6 days earlier, and shift just 10 minutes each day.

Moving mealtimes later is important because without this part, the body will just feel like it stayed up late and may still wake up at the normal time. But overtired. Switching the mealtimes too feels like you are gradually changing time zones. 

This is especially important for infants and toddlers but will make the transition easier for everyone, even school age children and adults. 

You can expect some extra crankiness or hyperactivity in the late afternoon for a few days. Just try to grit your teeth and stay calm -- easier said than done! -- through those tantrums! Remember that big feelings aren't a problem -- tantrums are fine. It's the fastest way to get to the calm after the storm. You can't coax a child out of it just by changing the rules, or not for long, anyway. Just sit and wait. It will pass, I promise.

And try to get outside in the mornings, especially those first few days, because we will be missing the sunlight in the late afternoons. Exposure to early morning light also helps the body recalibrate to the new time. 

Does your family need help with a sleep transition? Set up a free consult and get your family back on track so you can feel your best and enjoy your time together.