Being a Working Parent While Coping with DST and The Lost Hour {Sponsored}

Disclaimer: As a member of the Vicks® Ambassador Network, I will be sharing stories and tips related to their products and have received compensation. As always, I believe in honest storytelling as it relates to working with brands, and the opinions expressed in these posts belong to me and aren’t influenced in any way.

The days are slowly but surely getting longer, and along with the longer days comes Daylight Saving Time (DST) and losing an hour of sleep as we spring forward. If you are anything like me, it may take you a week or two to get used to the new time while adjusting your sleep schedule. Add to that a family who is also adjusting, and it can be a chaotic time in your household.

The Lost Hour is something that we all have to deal with. But when you are a working parent who is already juggling a variety of roles, it can add a little more stress to your already overloaded day. Being a working parent while coping with DST and The Lost Hour may not be a pleasant experience, but it can be a little easier on you and your small people with a few tips that can help you hit the ground running.

One of the affects of The Lost Hour is perhaps not getting enough sleep. As someone who strongly believes in Work Life Management and the importance of getting a full night’s sleep so you can be at the top of your game personally and professionally, I have a few tips to help you get a proper night’s rest:

• Stick to a nightly bedtime every night, especially during the week. This helps train the body to get tired and power down for rest. And for your children, make sure they also adhere to a bedtime schedule.
• No caffeine for you and your family after a certain hour. My rule of thumb is 7pm for me and 6pm for my 11 year-old daughter.
• Put away all smartphones and gadgets before going to bed. Turn them off in the bedroom so you won’t be disturbed, or at the very least, put them on DND.
• Try not to sleep with the television on. You will drift off to sleep easier and get more rest.
• Use a white noise app to help you sleep (but remember to still put your smartphone on DND if you are using the app on your phone).

You can also use ZzzQuil to help you get a good night’s rest. ZzzQuil is a non-habit-forming sleep-aid for the relief of occasional sleeplessness that can help you fall asleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. As a Vicks Ambassador, I was sent ZzzQuil to try myself, and it came in handy earlier this week. After taking it and falling asleep, I woke up feeling well rested and I had more energy than normal. I plan to keep it on standby to help me on those nights I have trouble sleeping.

Do you experience occasional sleeplessness due to the lost hour? Prepare for Daylight Saving Time and visit here to download a coupon for ZzzQuil.

Remember to set your clocks an hour forward for Daylight Saving Time, which is March 8th, 2015.

I’ve partnered up with ZzzQuil for a fun ad campaign that aims to answer where that lost hour of sleep is going. Wanna join me? It’s simple, leave a comment on ZzzQuil’s Twitter (@ZzzQuil) or ZzzQuil Facebook page and tell them where you think that lost hour of sleep goes. They’ll be responding in a fun way. Sounds like it could be a good time, and worth your while