We will see more light in the evening hours beginning this Sunday (March 10) as you are reminded to move your clock forward at 2 a.m.

While it may feel more spring-like with the extended daylight hours, the loss of sleep can be a difficult transition for babies, children, and even adults.

Marina MacLeod, Registered Nurse and Mama Coach shares 'springing ahead' seems to be harder on the general population than 'falling back.'  "It can totally throw schedules off, not only with kids but the whole family. With spring ahead we encourage gradual change; so do it over three days and three nights by a 30-minute adjustment."

MacLeod shares bumping up by a half hour gradually will make everyone less cranky, including yourself. "For example, if morning nap is at 9 o'clock with the time change that will be 10 o'clock, so just split the difference and put them to bed at 9:30 new time. Which is technically 8:30 old time, so it is a half hour earlier then what they are used to, but do it for three days including afternoon nap and bedtime. Then on day four they will be ready and better adjusted to move back to the regular time of 9 o'clock new time."

It can be a little confusing, states MacLeod, but it can make a big difference in how everyone handles the time shift, and it is not just 'boom' all at once on Sunday night and into Monday morning.

Another pointer, MacLeod shares is darkening rooms to help with the extra light coming in. "Try to close blinds after supper and get the evening lighting going by making sure their sleeping environment is as dark as it can be while they are transitioning to the new time. Even if you don't have blackout blinds, use tin foil or cover the window with construction paper...whatever you have."

If you try to keep routines status quo and just bump up your timing by a half hour, it will make everyone better adjusted.

The Airdrie Fire Department also says the time change is a good reminder to change the batteries on all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.  You should change the batteries even if the alarm beeps when you test it.  The current batteries in the alarms may not last until the next time to check them when we 'fall back' on Sunday, November 3rd, and finally, get back the hour of sleep we're missing. 

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