Daylight saving time has become part of our spring and fall experience. This twice-a-year adjustment is expected and predictable, but somehow often comes as a surprise. At some point in our lives, many of us have shown up for a party at the wrong time or missed an airplane without remembering that the clocks had to be adjusted. As a family, it makes sense to work together to adjust to the time change.
The sleep routine is in part influenced by the sleep-wake cycle of the body’s circadian rhythms. Once your child is 4-6 months old, you will see the nap and nighttime pattern evolve with regularity. Ideally by encouraging self-soothing, you will help your child enjoy the optimal sleep pattern possible. In addition to the circadian rhythm, social cues also influence sleep routines. Therefore, your child’s brain will be trained to continue the expected patterns, and social cues will help adjust to the new timing.
There are several strategies to deal with losing an extra hour during the start of daylight savings time on March 12, 2023. You can continue to follow the same schedule based on the new clock time or you can choose to take a few days before the end of daylight savings to make small changes each day. Either way, your child will make a smooth transition if you continue using a consistent soothing process for naps and bedtime and pay attention to your child’s cues. Your child’s brain has learned to expect naps, regular bedtimes, and routines, which will continue despite the one-hour time difference. Be patient and expect that there might be temporary changes in your child’s timing and routines, but after several days your whole family will be back to their regular sleeping habits.
About Rebecca Unger, M.D.
Dr. Unger graduated from Tufts University and Rush Medical College. A Board Certified physician for more than twenty years, she completed her pediatric training, as well as a fellowship in General Academic Pediatrics, at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She also works at the Lurie Wellness and Weight Management Clinic where she counsels underweight and overweight children. Dr. Unger is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Northwestern University School of Medicine. Her interests include childhood nutrition, obesity, and adolescent health. Dr. Unger has been working with the Northwestern Children’s Practice for over 2 decades. She also works at Lurie Children’s Hospital as an attending pediatrician in the Lurie Wellness and Weight Management Clinic. Dr. Unger has enjoyed raising her children, Emily and Joey, and learning from both of them every step of the way. In addition to her active work and family life, Dr. Unger can frequently be found playing her banjo at the local farmers’ markets, dancing (swing, contra and zydeco dancing are her favorites) and then trying to balance it all on her yoga mat! |
About Northwestern Children's Practice
The Northwestern Children’s Practice team educates parents to help them raise healthy and loving children and educates children to help them develop healthy habits. As one of the best pediatrician offices in Chicago, our health care providers are dedicated to providing anticipatory guidance to help families navigate from one visit to the next. Founded by Dr. Marc Weissbluth in 1973, the Northwestern Children’s Practice continues to thrive in Chicago’s Gold Coast, a few blocks away from Lurie Children’s Hospital. This welcoming team of experienced child health advocates cares for families in the Chicago-land area and beyond.