Dear Iris: Clocks are Changing, Should I?
Dear Iris,
Daylight Savings is coming up and I'm wondering what I should do with taking my meds when the time changes. Do you just take your morning dose an hour early or late that first day? Or do you start adjusting a couple of days early?
L
Dear L,
Navigating daylight savings time presents unique challenges, including adjusting to a new schedule. When it comes to medication timing, there's no need for any changes before the shift. Just continue with your regular routine. For instance, if you normally take your medication at 8:00 AM, do so as usual on the morning daylight savings time begins.
While adjusting medication times might be straightforward, the transition can disrupt your body's circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates sleep, appetite, body temperature, and other crucial functions, making the spring shift particularly jarring.
To ease into daylight savings time, consider gradually shifting your routine the week before or a few days before. Sleep experts suggest going to bed 20 minutes earlier each night and slowly adjusting mealtimes too. This gradual approach can help your body adapt smoothly to the time change.
Missed last week? Dear Iris: I’m Managing It All
Meera Ravindranathan, MD
Medical Director
Iris Oncology
Dr. Meera Ravindranathan is a Medical Director at Iris. Dr. Ravindranathan has more than 15 years of experience treating a wide range of cancers. Dr. Ravindranathan is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She then did her residency in Internal Medicine as well as fellowship training in medical oncology at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Ravindranathan worked in academia in the early part of her career where she was involved in research and teaching at the University of New Mexico Cancer Treatment Center. In addition, she was selected to complete the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop. Dr. Ravindranathan has authored numerous articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals. She then was in private practice in San Diego, California where she still participated in clinical trials but focused mainly on treating adult cancer patients. She maintains a part-time clinical practice in California. Her passion is delivering excellent care and quality improvement in medicine.
This article meets Iris standards for medical accuracy. It has been fact-checked by the Iris Clinical Editorial Board, our team of oncology experts who ensure that the content is evidence based and up to date. The Iris Clinical Editorial Board includes board-certified oncologists and pharmacists, psychologists, advanced practice providers, licensed clinical social workers, oncology-certified nurses, and dietitians.
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