Lighting Tips to Alleviate the Effects of the Daylight Saving Time Change

It’s that time of year again: whether we like it or not. Standard time will change to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 2 a.m. in almost every state in the country. The only states that do not recognize the biannual clock change are Hawaii and Arizona; they will stay on their current time. Some states have tried to enact year-round daylight saving time through their local government. However, states can't simply move to DST without congressional action at the federal level due to the Uniform Time Act approved in 1966. Under the legislation, states can only stay in standard time all year if they choose.

As of March 13, the days grow longer, and sunsets get later. However, it also means we’ll lose a precious hour this weekend when the time change occurs. Have you ever wondered why daylight saving time starts at 2 a.m.? The reasoning behind it was that most people will be asleep, restaurants and other places will be closed, so people will not notice it as much.

Although an hour of lost sleep doesn't seem like much, it affects people's health. The "spring forward" time change – moving the clocks ahead- is most challenging for people because most of us find it harder to get up earlier than stay up late.

Below are 3 ways to alleviate the effects of moving to daylight saving time by utilizing natural light, LEDs, and dimming controls.

Maximize Natural Light

To adjust to the start of daylight saving time, try to get into natural light as soon as possible. Exposure to natural light will help you sync your circadian rhythm to the new time. To let more daylight in, keep the curtains open. If privacy is an issue, install sheer curtains to allow more natural light into your home.

Featuring Kellwyn, Hinton and Kaysville

Use Color Selectable LED

Installing LED light fixtures that have color selectable technology integrated inside them is one of the newest ways to control light in your home. “Selectable” means there are multiple distinct white light settings within the LED. With just a flip of a switch, color selectable LEDs can change between pre-set color temperatures of white light, from warm to cool settings, to create the perfect amount of light for your space.

Featuring CCT Selectable Recessed, Pivot LED and Geodesic LED

Dim the Lights

Dim down or turn off the bright lights an hour or two before you go to bed. Relax with lower lights, such as soft, dimmable accent lighting that creates a soothing glow. It’s best to turn off the television, computer and other electronic devices an hour before bedtime too. Studies suggest that the blue light emitted from these devices can suppress melatonin, the sleep hormone, making it difficult to fall asleep.

Featuring Carrollwood, Parkhurst and Saffert

Learn more about how to design the perfect home lighting plan for any season here.