How getting our sleep schedule adjusted helps our mental and physical health

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- If you're having a hard time with the time change, you're probably not the only one.

"We all have a circadian rhythm that is set by the date and light hours," said Dr. Jesus Rodriguez, a Family Medicine Physician with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno. "One thing you can do to set your new circadian rhythm going forward is the first thing you do when you get up is expose yourself to bright light."

Doctors say our bodies can adjust to the time change within a week, but it's important to build healthy habits during that time.

Dr. Rodriguez says one way to do that is to put down the screens so the mind won't be stimulated before bed.

He also suggests avoiding alcohol.

"Those can actually affect your sleep stages," said Dr. Rodriguez. "If you're not getting the deep sleep or the REM sleep, you can actually be doing yourself a disservice."

Our bodies need at least seven to eight hours of sleep. Health experts say those hours are critical to both our physical and mental well-being.

"When we don't get that, we suffer physically and mentally," said Dr. Rodriguez. "Physically, we can have problems with high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, or being overweight. Mentally, we can have problems with depression, anxiety and poor concentration."

Doctors say not getting enough rest can increase the risk of a heart attack or even a stroke. Strengthening our sleep cycle can help us feel refreshed and avoid future complications.

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