As it is, I’m not the best sleeper but when you add daylight saving time, even that 1-hour time change can wreak havoc on my circadian rhythm, also known as the body’s internal clock. Every year, this leaves me exhausted, stressed and generally feeling “off,” but it’s not just me. Daylight saving time is known to have unwanted effects on our physical and mental health.
This year, I aim to fight back. As a wellness tech writer, I know how beneficial certain devices can be for regulating our sleep, nervous systems and overall well-being, so I’ll be using that knowledge to my advantage. Rather than taking it lying down (as much as I want to lie down for a nap), I’ll be using the following technology to help my body recover from daylight saving time.
I love using my Hatch Restore 3 as a gentle sunrise alarm clock and white noise machine. Anna Gragert/CNET
1. Sunrise alarm clock
The Hatch Restore 3 is CNET’s favorite sunrise alarm clock, and for good reason. Like similar devices, it uses gradual, customizable light that mimics a sunrise to gently wake you up and you can pair it with equally gentle wake-up sounds if you’re a heavy sleeper and need that extra noise to get out of bed. It also works as a bedside light and white noise machine.
As a light sleeper who uses blackout curtains, I love that this alarm clock simulates a sunrise to signal to my body when it’s time to wake up -- especially during a time change. I much prefer it to a loud, blaring alarm that shocks me awake.
The Restore 3’s white noise machine feature also helps me fall asleep and stay asleep while listening to the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Then, when it’s time for me to wake up, it transitions into the morning singing bowls I selected as my alarm. With a Hatch+ subscription ($50 per year or $5 per month), you get access to additional sounds, meditations, podcasts and stories.
If a sunrise alarm clock isn’t for you, you can also use smart lights to help your body adjust.
“Today’s smart lights let you schedule times to turn on or increase or decrease brightness during the times of day when you need it most,” says Tyler Lacoma, CNET’s smart home editor. “Many smart bulbs also include color temperature settings so you can set lights for warmer tones to mimic sunsets or sunrises more easily. You can also look for daylight modes that take care of the details for you but I recommend starting with a schedule if you’re trying to shake off DST weariness.”
I find the Oura Ring to be the most comfortable sleep tracker. Anna Gragert/CNET
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