Spring Forward & MyGlitch

Disclosure: As a reminder I don't go back and correct any mental errors while writing because that is true to how my brain works with living with epilepsy. In order to understand this by someone just joining, one example at times I might speak a sentences out oforder, or repeat them, spelling.

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS JUST MY EXPERIENCES WITH EPILEPSY AND THINGS I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT OVER THE YEARS, TO HOPEFULLY BE SEIZURE FREE. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR OWN DR.,

ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS ABOUT SPRING FORWARD TIME CHANGE

SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2026 WHERE 2AM BECOMES 3AM

(PLEASE NOTE SOME STATES DO NOT HAVE THIS)

If there is one thing i am bad at, is I don't listen to my own body &

place everyone elses needs before what i need for my health.

As my husband reminds me, focusing on yourself

is also what is best for our family as well.

Help me to be MyGlitch free as much as we can.

So in honor National Sons Day,

I am hoping I can help you with some tips for Spring Forward

Understanding the Impact of the Time Change on Epilepsy

If there is one thing that hurts me the most is the abrupt change in my sleep schedule. We ave learned this over hte years traveling in and out of time zones, spring forward & fall back. For people with epilepsy, even small changes in sleep can increase seizure risk. this one reason I want to cover the topic, in hopes it may help someone else prepare for this upcomg Spring Forward Day.

The spring forward time change means losing one hour of sleep overnight. This sudden shift can disrupt body’s internal clock in the brain and how it works for MyGlitch. I relate to this by also having more hot flashes at night with Menopause, causing me to wake up more and less sleep. Adding this, raises my chance to have an even rougher seizure increase potential.

Lack of sleep, or changing type of sleep is well-known trigger for MyGlitch. The loss of an hour’s sleep can lead to increased fatigue, stress, and lowered seizure threshold. Meedication timing may be affected, which can impact drug levels in my body

Things I have learned or were told to do by my Nuerologist over the years.

• Shift bedtime earlier by 10-15 minutes each night starting about a week before the time change.(I admit i am already behind on this one, but bertterlate then not at all) This helps your body adapt, for your brain

• Maintain a consistent wake-up time Now for me, I already have a protocol by my dr. to keep a bedtime of 10pm (meditate in bed, to help fall asleep easier)and wake up no later than 6am. But with the time change, this will be off, cause even though it may be the time "on the clocl", it is getting ready to change & I need to prep for my "internal clock" and not the physical time.

• Contact your nuerologist about your medications & time schedule before the time change, ask your dr if you ahsould slowly change your medication times, based on how your body/brain will react to your current med times. I have an alarm on my phone for when my meds are needed to be taken. My dr, always has me give a grace of 30minutes to 1 hour adjustment.to

• Avoid stressful activities that could increase seizure risk. I know for most of us, this isn't always known, and things happen we can't control. So be kind to yourself.

• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals now this is something I am told to daily, but a reminder in case you have special eating guidelines on eating at a certain time etc.

• Tell family and friends about how they can help you, if this time change cause more seizures. This is very important if you are not around those that know your signs that a seizure might be about to happen. Espeically for those like me, MyGlitch is often very short and many think i am just daydreaming, speech is just normal, a fall just as examples.

• Prepare your areas you sleep, you live in or will be at.   i know for me , we already try to do our best, because I have uncontrolled epilepsy. but if you are controlled, you may have to do things out of the "norm" for a potenetial breakthrough

Ok now you have the lead up, now what happens after the time change?

• Wake up at the new time, even if you feel tired. For me, it will probably be on time, due to a waonderful hot flash, but this time I can't try to go back to sleep.

• Take meds based on what your dr tells you

• Rest if needed to help your body adjust. Don't be stubborn like me and "push" through cause you feel you have too. You can keep up with your own normal exercise routines, just dont feel like it is bad if you can't do the exact same thing

• Take notes in your Seizure Journal this is good to have to show your dr at the next visit, make sure you place time it happened, and describe it that you can(my dr already has me do this, even without the time change)

• Call or message your dr right away if you notice increased seizures or anything that feels out of the "norm", not that there is anything normall when it comes to MyGlitches:) I find it helpful too, if I have others tell me they notice anything chane too.

• Keep emergency contacts and seizure action plans posted, I always carry one in my purse, pill bag, and one in the house, espeically when by meyself and not with family or friends. This is one tip, I hope your dr already has you do.

Wishing everyone a great SPRING,

more sunshine & Glitch FREE days!