Want better sleep? The Dutch method is counterintuitive-but science says it works

"The day after we "spring forward," people are significantly more tired-and cranky-due to that lost hour of sleep, which disrupts our natural circadian rhythm, increasing the risks of car accidents, strokes and even heart attacks, according to John Hopkins's Bloomberg School of Health."

"The "Dutch method," which is popular even in big cities like Amsterdam, involves sleeping with your curtains wide open, to help the body wake with the sun's natural light. It's a way to reset your own body's clock instead of relying solely on an alarm."

"A recent study confirmed this science-based hack, and found morning sunlight does indeed set our biological clocks, governing when we sleep and wake, and getting that light before 10:00 a.m. actually improves sleep quality."

Daylight savings time disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, increasing risks of accidents and health issues. While American sleep hygiene emphasizes equipment like blackout curtains and white noise machines, the Dutch method offers a simpler alternative. This approach involves sleeping with curtains open to allow natural morning sunlight to enter, helping the body wake naturally and reset its biological clock. Research confirms that exposure to morning sunlight before 10:00 a.m. effectively regulates sleep-wake cycles and enhances sleep quality, making this method an accessible, equipment-free solution for better rest.

Read at Fast Company