Set Your Clocks Ahead One Hour Sunday

Early Sunday, Daylight Saving Time begins. That means darker mornings and lighter evenings as spring approaches on March 20th.

Before you go to bed tonight, remember to set your clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time, which officially begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. (If you go to bed at 11 p.m., set your clock for 12 Midnight, etc.).

And, expect some sun to mark the occasion this weekend. Mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid-50s are in the region's forecast for Sunday followed by mostly sunny skies and mid-40s on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Darker Morning Commute, Sleepier Drivers

Come Monday morning, many drivers will be tired traveling to work. AAA Mid-Atlantic recommends motorists use additional caution and modify their driving habits, especially during the first week of Daylight Saving Time, when their bodies are still adjusting to the change in time.

“Each spring we go through the ritual of setting our clocks forward, but our bodies don’t adjust as easily,” said Martha M. Meade, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Ninety-percent of a driver’s reaction time is dependent upon vision, which is limited in darkness. A change in time can affect people physically and drivers can be more tired than they realize.”

In addition to setting clocks forward one hour, motorists should be prepared to face reduced visibility during the morning commute. “The morning commute will be darker, so drivers can expect impaired visibility,” added Meade. “If you begin your commute in the early morning, you may need to turn on your headlights as you drive to your destination. We also advise motorists to be extra cautious in residential neighborhoods and school zones during the morning commute where school children may be walking in the dark.”

Drivers should pay extra attention during the afternoon and evening commutes as warmer weather sets in and many more pedestrians, bicyclists and children venture outside to enjoy the longer daylight hours, the AAA spokeswoman said.

Tips for Drivers:

• Get plenty of sleep
• Use headlights
• Drive cautiously
• Watch for school children and other pedestrians

Stay Healthy During Daylight Saving Time Transition

Messing with your schedule can also play havoc with your health.

Andrea Pennington, M.D., a doctor with offices in Silver Spring, Md., offered these tips in an article she wrote last year on The Huffington Post (read entire article here):

1. Go to bed earlier so that your body gets in sync with the time change sooner. In a recent survey, 34 percent of women explained that they experienced increased fatigue and 25 percent had increased irritability during the spring forward phase of Daylight Saving Time. Getting adequate sleep helps to prevent this. So, though it's tempting to stay up later, going to bed early can save you -- and those around you -- from grumpiness and energy burnout!

2. Move dinner time up by an hour before the time change to help your body adjust quicker.

3. Eat a nutritious breakfast with the vitamins and nutrients you need to energize you.

4. Keep your exercise routine intact. The body always adjusts to stress better when we get regular physical activity. So, even if you're just going for a brisk walk, maintain an active routine.

5. Prepare for busy mornings the night before. Get your kids involved in family planning by having them help prepare lunch for the next day, laying out their book bags and school clothes at night.