Sleepy? You're Not Alone

Some people experience sleeping difficulties for up to two weeks after Daylight Saving Time begins. Get some advice for what to do if you are one of them.

Sunday, March 13th 2011, 2:30 pm

By: News 9

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- If you woke up sleepy Sunday morning, you're not alone. People can have sleep problems for up to two weeks because of Daylight Saving Time.

Sleep medicine specialists say early risers and night owls are more likely to suffer from the jet lag-like experience. If you're one of them, here are some tips to help you adjust to the time change.

Go to sleep and rise a half-hour earlier than usual
Expose yourself to outdoor or indoor light
And if you need a daytime nap, limit it to 30 minutes

According to Dr. Aparajitha Verma, medical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, certain persistent problems may indicate a more serious sleeping disorder. These include: remaining awake after 30 minutes of trying to go to sleep; excessive daytime sleepiness; or sleeping for seven or more hours and waking up tired.

HealthDay News contributed to this story.