Be prepared to Spring Forward on Sunday, March 12

According to the latest research, springtime’s Daylight Savings change is the most dangerous. In the first few days after we lose an hour of sleep, researchers have shown increases in car accidents and heart attacks. The Fatal Accident Reporting System found a 17% increase in traffic fatalities on the Monday after this shift! The loss of the hour of sleep, according to researchers, causes a significant disruption in sleep cycles. Lack of sleep impairs driving ability, and driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as distracted driving.

In preparation to Spring Forward on Sunday, March 12, here are 7 tips to help you adjust to the change:

1) Go to bed early the days leading up to the time change. Start going to bed early, about 15 minutes each night, leading up to the change in clocks. It will give your body a chance to acclimatize sooner.

2) Adjust the timing of your other daily routines. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that in addition to going to bed early, you should also adjust daily routines that are “time cues” for your body. For example, eating dinner a touch earlier each evening.

3) Spring forward in the early evening on Saturday. Set your clocks to spring forward early Saturday evening, then go to sleep at your “regular” bedtime. By doing so, you’re basically spring forwarding your sleep one night earlier. Stick to your normal bedtime on Sunday too.

4) Get some Vitamin D. Try to catch some rays in the early morning sunlight on Sunday.

5) Work from home. If you have the option to work from home, this is the ideal day (or two) to take advantage of it. That way, you can avoid other drivers who might be feeling the effects of lack of sleep.

6) Slow down. Pay attention. Don’t drive distracted. During the first few days, slow down and pay attention. Always important—no matter what time of year—but worth the reminder: don’t drive distracted. Turn the radio down, drink your coffee at the office (or at home), don’t take breakfast or your afternoon snack to go, and save the call (even if it is hands-free) for later.

7) Bring your sunglasses along for the ride. The shift in time may mean that you’re now driving home while the day is still bright. Make sure you’ve got a pair of sunglasses in the car.