Daylight saving time can wreak havoc on your body

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - It's that time of year where winter slowly transforms into spring and the days finally begin to get a little longer. Get your body ready to spring forward. 

Health experts warn that losing even a single hour of sleep can wreak havoc on your body. It's even worse for those who cave to the pressure of a Saturday night out at the bar with friends. Those most likely to be lacking sleep are police officers and firefighters who work third shift. 

The most common symptom is feeling fatigued. 

If you're unable to set your bedtime to 15 minutes earlier starting a few days before the switch, don't reach for caffeine to get you through. Instead, get outside.

"The best thing to do would be to seek light in the morning. Light exposure is the single most efficient trainer for our Circadian rhythm," said Michelle Drerup, Psy.D., a behavioral sleep therapist. "Getting that light exposure sends the signal to turn off our melatonin release and helps us awaken."

Not getting your body's internal clock back in order can be dangerous, especially when driving. Being behind the wheel with fatigue can have dangerous consequences. 

Also, resist the urge to nap, as it will only delay getting your correct sleeping schedule back in order.