Sleep health important during daylight saving time

Spring ahead. It’s what we do every year when we advance our clocks one hour for daylight saving time.

To help your body clock adjust, sleep specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System advocate getting exposure to strong light in the morning.

"To help your body function better throughout the day and to stay healthier, make a commitment to getting eight hours of sleep each night," said Dr. Jack Alexander, chief medical officer at Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls, Lake City and Red Wing.

Remember to practice good “sleep hygiene.” Reduce stimuli at bedtime; keep your bedroom cool, quiet and dark; maintain consistent sleep/wake patterns; and follow a bedtime routine.

More than 50 million Americans are affected by chronic sleep disorders and intermittent sleep problems, and most are undiagnosed. Sleep medicine specialists treat conditions that lead to sleep deprivation including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. To learn more, call 651-267-5000.

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