The Pain of the Change

The time change.  Its great once we get used to it but oh the pain until then.  This morning my dogs thought I was crazy as I was dragging them out to get the routine started, an hour early.  On top of the earlier start there was a storm brewing in the distance which made the morning even more interesting.  It is a proven fact that the first two weeks of the time change can be hazardous to your health.

Today has been especially challenging for me.  I was on school duty this morning and had to make sure I didn't miss my exit on the way back to work.  You know how it is.

Studies have shown that there is a spike in car crashes the day after the switch. Drivers are too sluggish from lack of sleep.  Other areas that are affected by the change:  Wall Street traders typically lose lots of money and the number of heart attacks increases.

Here are a few tips from About.com to cope with change and get back to normal life:

• Go easy on the caffeine.  A cup of coffee or two in the morning is fine, but consuming too much caffeine later in the day may make it difficult for you to sleep.
• Don't skip breakfast.  Even if you're groggy in the AM, you need to get some fuel in your body before going to work and school.
• Avoid heavy foods or spicy foods. Or any foods you know that may cause heartburn, making it difficult for you to sleep.
• Don't drink too much alcohol. Over-consumption of your favorite adult beverages may cause a very restless uncomfortable night.
• Eat cherries. Not only are they rich in vitamins, cherries contain melatonin, a substance also found in the human body that helps regulate sleep. Eating fresh or dried cherries before you go to bed at night may help you sleep better.

So tell me, how many times did you yawn after looking at all of these photos of people yawning?