Ever feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day after the clocks change? You’re not alone. When daylight savings ends in South Australia and we set our clocks back an hour, many people feel unexpectedly tired. While it might seem like you’re gaining an hour of sleep, your body doesn’t always agree. This is a common time when people search for answers like “daylight savings tired.” Let’s explore why it happens and what you can do to bounce back with more energy.
Why Do We Feel So Tired After Daylight Savings Time Ends?
Your body runs on an internal clock known as your circadian rhythm. This natural rhythm is synced to light and darkness in your environment. When the clocks go back an hour, even though it feels like a bonus hour of sleep, it can actually confuse your body’s internal schedule. You might wake up earlier than usual, struggle to stay alert during the day, or feel like your energy levels are just… off.
It’s similar to jet lag—even a one-hour shift can disrupt hormone release, body temperature, and digestion, all of which affect how rested and alert you feel.
How to Beat the Daylight Savings Slump
1. Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day—even on weekends. This helps your body adjust and stabilise energy levels more quickly. Keep in mind that the first few nights or mornings might not be perfect, but stick with the routine.
2. Get Outside Early
Morning sunlight helps reset your internal clock. A short walk in the morning light can work wonders for your mood and energy.
3. Limit Caffeine in the Afternoon
That late arvo coffee might feel like a quick fix, but it could be keeping you awake later and disrupting your sleep cycle further.
4. Move Your Body
Exercise boosts energy and improves sleep quality. If you’re feeling sluggish, consider joining our group fitness classes in Norwood. The right workout can lift your mood and re-energise you.
Even though you may be feeling tired, don’t skip the gym. Getting in and doing something in the gym is going to be better than nothing.
5. Watch Your Nutrition
Fuel your body with whole foods. If you’re unsure where to start, check out The 3 Macronutrients and what they do for a breakdown of how food impacts your energy.
It’s Normal to Feel Off – But You Don’t Have to Stay That Way
Feeling tired after daylight savings is completely normal, but you don’t have to suffer through it. By making small adjustments to your daily habits—like getting morning sunlight, eating well, and moving more—you can get your energy back on track.
And if you’re still feeling like something’s missing, it might be time to assess your bigger picture. Are you getting consistent exercise? Eating right? Managing stress?
Our Personalised Nutrition Coaching works with your specific situtation, what you need to work on, and the challenges that you personally face. Everyone has a different life situation, different cravings, and different routines, so Nutrition Coaching often needs to be personalised to make some long-lasting changes and make the most out of it.
