(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) It has been a week since we've "sprung forward" but some people are still having issues adjusting to daylight saving time.
Doctors say it usually takes most people two to three days for our body clocks to get used to the time change every spring and fall, but it takes about a week for some people especially young kids and the elderly. That's why it's important to try adjusting to the new time before it happens.
If you still struggle to get some sleep, the best thing doctors suggest is to get direct sunlight exposure early in the morning to help your body wake up.
"Getting exposed to bright light in the morning after you wake up, that helps your circadian rhythm or body clock get in the right direction," Dr. Asad Kabir, Mosaic Life Care, Sleep Certified Medicine said. "So exposure to bright light in the morning after you wake up will help push your body clock backwards."
Once the sun goes down, it's best to do more relaxing things in the evening like read a book or watch TV to help ease your body into going to sleep.
You can also try taking a low-dose of melatonin an hour or two before bedtime.
If a couple of weeks pass, and the new schedule still doesn't work, you might want to consult with your doctor to determine if you have insomnia.