Set Your Clocks for Daylight Saving!

Daylight Saving Time begins early Sunday, bringing darker mornings and lighter evenings as warmer months approach.

Before going to bed Saturday night, advance your clocks an hour for spring forward, which officially begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. And, expect some sun to mark the occasion.

Warmer Weather

Partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid-30s are in the region's forecast for Sunday followed by mostly sunny skies and similar temps Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Although rain and snow may fall Tuesday night and Wednesday, warmer weather is on the way with a high near 39 degrees Tuesday and 48 degrees Wednesday, the service projects.

Darker Commutes

Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Transportation cautions that morning commutes will be darker because of the time change.

"Driving through school zones becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," Kirk T. Steudle, State Transportation director, said in a prepared statement. "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."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,092 pedestrians died in traffic crashes and 59,000 were injured—13,000 of them were children 14 and younger—in 2009. The most dangerous hours for accidents were between 4-8 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.

Sleep Adjustments

Daylight Saving Time also requires people to reprogram their internal clocks, as sleep deprivation is often a side effect.

Although adults average six hours of sleep a night, they should get seven to nine hours of snooze time, according Dr. Gary Trock, codirector of Beaumont Hospital's  Sleep Evaluation Services in Royal Oak.

Sleep deprivation can lead to weight increase, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression, Trock said.

Among his tips for getting shut-eye in light of Daylight Saving Time:

• Crank down the heat a few degrees for a cool and comfortable bedroom.
• Establish a nightly wind-down routine 30 minutes before sleep, such as reading or showering before climbing into bed.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol. If a large amount of caffeine is consumed during the day, it stays in your system for about 12 hours. Avoid alcohol two hours before bedtime because it requires time to metabolize and could disrupt sleep.
• Don't eat or exercise before bed. Large meals and rigorous exercise should be avoided two to three hours before bed.
• Make your bed sleep-friendly with therapeutic and memory foam mattresses for cushion and support.