Mini Jetlag by time change

This is how the conversion succeeds

14/10/2014

The time change is on again. On October 26, 2014, the clocks will be reset one hour. As a rule, 40 percent of people have problems with the transition, with women being more affected by it. Although they get an extra hour, they can not get used to the new time immediately. The result is tiredness, irritability and sleep disorders. How to handle it explains Dr. Wolfgang Reuter.

„Inner clock“ is disturbed
One of the causes of the burden of the time change is that the „inner clock“ is disturbed and thus brings the usual sleep rhythm from the beat. „By changing the time, the human organism experiences a kind of mini-jetlag“, Hans-Günter Weeß, Head of the Sleep Center in the Palatinate Clinic and Member of the Board of the German Association for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (DGSM).
Even if we have one more hour to sleep, our sense of time signals us at the usual time, the day begins. Adapting to it in a short time is difficult for our body and costs energy and both metabolism and hormone balance are so unbalanced.

Beware of traffic
Particularly affected are the early risers, they get tired one evening earlier in the evening and wake up an hour earlier in the morning. This can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, sleep disorders, irritability, loss of appetite, depressive moods and concentration disorders, with older people and children more likely to suffer the consequences of the time change. Long-term impairments, however, are not scientifically proven, but it can take up to three weeks until the symptoms have subsided. So long is caution in traffic, as many drivers suffer the consequences of the time change, are unfocused and have to deal additionally with difficult light and road conditions. As a result, there is an increased risk of accidents.

Simple measures help with the conversion
Otherwise there is no serious danger of the side effects of the time change. You can counteract them with targeted measures. So it is helpful to go to bed a little later in the days before the time change and to move the dinner back accordingly. Even walks and blue artificial light should help. For insomnia, home remedies such as balm, valerian or a warm bath help. On the other hand, you should during the change coffee and coke from afternoon and alcohol completely avoid. Even a balanced diet is conducive to the conversion, while heavy food puts additional strain on the body. Furthermore, one should not force oneself to sleep an hour longer, but instead do morning exercise, Dr. Reuter. (Jp)