Children and Time Change
Trina Blythe, MD
How can daylight savings affect children?
Daylight savings affects children differently, based on their age. Infants tend to continue their usual sleep-wake cycles, regardless of what the clock may say. School-age children tend to experience fatigue, so parents might see behavior changes that go along with lack of sleep, such as increased meltdowns, irritability and acting out. Adolescents tend to be more sleep-deprived on a general basis and losing that hour of sleep may make things worse. You may see fatigue and loss of focus. Parents of adolescents who drive should be a little more vigilant and give them a ride during the days after the time change.
What can parents do to prepare for the time change?
Don't schedule anything major on the weekend of the time change so that there’s more time to rest and relax. During the days leading up to the time change, gently shift children's schedules 15 minutes each day so the kids are getting ready and doing their routines a little bit sooner. Cut out any sugary or spicy foods and caffeine before bedtime so as not to interfere with sleep. Turn tech off an hour before bedtime and read calming and sleep-inducing bedtime stories.
Should a child's sleep routine change during this transition?
In general, the sleep routine should stay the same., That’s the way children mentally and physically prepare for bed. The only change I might make would be to omit anything that revs children up, like a pillow fight. In general, the routine should stay the same because those cues help children get sleepy and ready for bed.
How does daylight savings affect adults?
Adults tend to experience fatigue, as well, but they are better at recognizing it than adolescents. They might want to plan on getting extra sleep – avoid tech, TV, caffeine and sugary foods right before bed, and model good behavior so that their children see them getting the extra rest.
How long does it usually take to adapt to the time change?
Adults can generally adapt to the time change over a couple of days. Adolescents and young children may experience fatigue for a week after the change. Infants will slowly adapt over time because they are responding to their own circadian rhythms.
Dr. Trina Blythe is a BJC Medical Group doctor with Way to Grow Pediatrics. Her office is located at Progress West Hospital in O'Fallon, MO.
To make an appointment with Dr Blythe, call 636.344.2400 Ext. 1 or book online.
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