Spring into Daylight Saving Time Tonight

Before you hit the sack tonight, don't forget to set your clock ahead one hour for Daylight Saving Time, which begins at 2 a.m. Sunday.

The time change means we'll have more daylight later into the evening, but it also means mornings will be dark again for a while. Today, the sun rose at 6:50 a.m. and will set at 6:35 p.m. Tomorrow, the sun will rise at 7:48 a.m. and set at 7:36 p.m.

The shift in time will make it harder to see early-morning runners, joggers, bikers and even students waiting at bus stops, so be alert, urges the Michigan Department of Transportation.

"Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."

Additionally, some phones have had problems adjusting for Daylight Saving Time in the past. A glitch in iPhone alarms last fall resulted in many iPhone alarms going off an hour late on Monday.

To fix the problem last the fall, Apple spokespersons suggested deleting all alarms and re-configuring them on Sunday. It is not clear if the problem will recur this Monday.

To adjust your body to Daylight Saving Time, the National Sleep Foundation suggests going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night in the four days leading up to the time change (it's a little late for this, if you haven't started already). Spending more time in the sun can help your body adjust, too, since "your body uses morning light to nudge you into action and regulate its biological clock."

The National Sleep Foundation website also offers three tips for getting a good night's sleep:

1. Avoid nicotine (like cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars).
2. Create an environment that is conducive to sleep. It should be comfortable, cool, dark and quiet.
3. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.