Fall time change hits toddlers hardest, experts warn
Children under four face the most disruption from the November 1 shift, with symptoms including irritability and sleep issues.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Millions of families in Georgia and across the United States will set their clocks back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1. While the shift grants adults an extra hour of sleep, experts say it often disrupts the routines of young children.
Pediatric sleep specialist Fernando Baixauli notes that children are more sensitive to changes in routine than adults. Their circadian rhythms rely heavily on light and fixed schedules. The magazine Hola reported that children between the ages of one and four are the most affected. The younger the child is, the greater the impact of the change.
Common symptoms appear in the first few days after the shift. Children may struggle to fall asleep or wake up earlier than usual. They often show daytime fatigue and poor concentration. Parents may notice increased irritability, crying without an apparent cause, and temper tantrums.
Psychologist Cindy Villalón advises parents to monitor their children's behavior closely. She suggests that if mood changes or irritability last for one or two weeks, families should consult a specialist. Baixauli adds that these reactions vary from child to child and can affect daily performance.
Experts recommend adjusting to the new time zone gradually. Families should shift wake-up and bedtimes by a few minutes each day during the week before the change. Keeping consistent schedules for meals and baths helps stabilize the routine. Exposure to natural light in the morning helps synchronize the body clock.
Parents should also avoid long afternoon naps and caffeinated drinks like soda or chocolate. Limiting intense exercise right before bedtime is another suggested strategy. For children with autism or other neurodivergent conditions, a more gradual adjustment may be necessary because they rely heavily on established routines.
The end of daylight saving time remains in effect in the United States. Congressional debates about a permanent time schedule have not changed the current practice. As a result, families must prepare for the shift every autumn and spring.
Source: WKTB-CD
