The Food You Should Eat So That Daylight Saving Doesn’t Destroy Your Life (And Your Sleep)

Ugh. Just like that, daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 4th. This means most of us will be forced back into the wintertime shadows. It’s going to take some time for us to get used to the sun’s new schedule. Luckily, eating certain foods during the transition can help us stay awake when necessary and get sleepy when we’re supposed to.

At exactly 2 a.m. on November 4th, the clocks will turn back, giving us an extra hour of sleep on Sunday night (hooray!). However, once we start our day, we’ll notice that darkness creeps in a lot sooner than we’re used to. Our bodies are going to want to wake up, eat, sleep, and live our lives an hour later than “normal.”

So, what can we eat to help us get back on the post-daylight saving time track?

You’ll probably feel stellar after gaining that hour of beauty rest on Sunday. However, the work week ahead is going to feel a bit off. You may feel a bit groggier than usual during the mid-afternoon slump due to the fact that daylight is dwindling an hour earlier. Of course, downing an extra cup of coffee could do the trick. But, you may be better off choosing an alternative that won’t cause a crash around dinnertime. Here are some options:

1. Water-heavy fruits that boost energy

A water-heavy fruit like watermelon can boost your energy by way of hydration. According to Women’s Health, a cup and a half of watermelon is equal to an eight-ounce glass of water. Plus, watermelon is packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, which all contribute to keeping you awake and motivated.

2. Nuts

Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts are all packed with protein and magnesium, which help our bodies turn sugar into energy. A couple handfuls of nuts could work just as well, if not better, than a small cup o’ joe.

3. A protein and vitamin-packed salad

And if you’re looking to keep your energy high throughout the workday post-daylight saving time, pack yourself a salad for lunch filled with spinach, edamame, hard boiled eggs, and fresh fruit — all of which contain iron, protein, vitamins B, C, copper and phosphorous, which contribute to raising energy levels so you kick butt all afternoon.

4. Popcorn

If your energy levels are stable, but the time change is throwing off your sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends eating complex carbs like popcorn, oatmeal, or whole-wheat crackers.

5. Tea

“Sleeptime” caffeine-free teas like chamomile, peppermint, and ginger all promote a good night’s sleep and are relaxing to sip on while reading a good a book.

6. Milk

Or, drinking a glass of warm milk can sooth your mind and digestive system while the milk’s tryptophan and melatonin can prevent insomnia.

7. Certain fruits that chill you out

You may also want to give melatonin-heavy fruits like tart cherries, bananas, pineapples, kiwis, and oranges a go. Those fruits are all proven to aid restlessness nights.

Take care of yourself during the daylight saving time transition period. We’re all going to be a little zombie-like in the weeks ahead. Choosing the rights foods can help us be a bit more human.