Munson Experts Share Tips to Ease Daylight Saving Sleep Shift

Sleep specialists offer advice for managing the time change's impact on your body's internal clock.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As Daylight Saving Time approaches on March 8, sleep experts at Munson Healthcare are providing guidance on how to proactively support sleep health during the annual time shift. The one-hour change can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, leading to short-term fatigue and difficulty falling asleep. Munson recommends easing into an earlier bedtime in the days leading up to the shift and maximizing morning sunlight exposure to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Why it matters

Daylight Saving Time can have a significant impact on sleep patterns and overall well-being, even though the change is just one hour. Understanding the effects and taking proactive steps can help minimize the disruption to daily routines and cognitive function.

The details

According to Dr. Abdul Malik, director of Munson's Sleep Disorders Centers, the one-hour shift can significantly impact the sleep cycle, leading to feelings of fatigue and difficulty falling asleep for several days. To ease the transition, Munson recommends gradually adjusting bedtimes earlier in the days leading up to March 8 and maximizing exposure to morning sunlight, which helps regulate the body's natural circadian rhythm.

  • Daylight Saving Time will begin on March 8, 2026.
  • In the days leading up to March 8, Munson advises gradually shifting bedtimes earlier.

The players

Dr. Abdul Malik

Director of Munson's Sleep Disorders Centers.

Munson Healthcare

A healthcare provider operating Sleep Disorders Centers in several Michigan cities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When we lose an hour, our brains and bodies feel that disruption for several days.”

— Dr. Abdul Malik, Director of Munson's Sleep Disorders Centers

What’s next

Munson Healthcare operates Sleep Disorders Centers in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Manistee, and Traverse City, offering diagnostic sleep studies and home sleep apnea testing for those concerned about ongoing sleep issues.

The takeaway

The Daylight Saving Time transition is a good reminder to assess overall sleep habits and seek professional guidance if fatigue, snoring, or other sleep-related problems become persistent issues, not just temporary reactions to the time change.