Day three of Daylight Savings Time and I’m still groggy. It’s only one hour and you wouldn’t think I would miss it that much. Besides, there was that extra hour we got last fall when we went to Standard Time. Somehow it just doesn’t even out.

According to Dr. Maha Alattar, assistant professor of neurology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, most people will adjust within a few days but we can use this time to establish good sleeping habits.

Atattar has some suggestions for getting through the transition and for setting healthy sleep patterns for the whole year. Here are just a few:

– Most importantly, don’t resort to medications just to adjust to daylight-saving time. “This is a transitory period. Most people adjust within a few days.”

– Wake up at your regular time, according to the clock. Even though 6 a.m. will be 7 a.m., stay on your schedule.

– Get a dose of sunshine in the morning to quickly reset circadian rhythms. Sunlight is most the powerful regulator.

– Don’t drink caffeine after 10 a.m. or lunchtime.

– Don’t take a nap; work through the sluggishness until bedtime.

– Avoid a heavy meal three hours before bed.

– End your exercise routine at least three to four hours before bedtime.

– Take a warm shower or bath before bed.

Use Daylight-Saving Change To Practice Healthy Sleep Habits For Adults, Children