This past weekend, clocks “fell back” an hour as daylight saving time came to an end — giving many the hope of an extra hour of sleep. But while the shift may seem small, its impact on our bodies is often more noticeable than we expect.

Our internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, don’t reset instantly just because the clock does. Even though the time officially shifted early Sunday morning, many people still woke up according to their pre-time-change schedule. That means the “extra hour” of sleep didn’t always lead to extra rest.

For some, Sunday morning felt brighter and more energized thanks to the earlier sunrise. But by afternoon, the earlier sunset began setting in — bringing darker evenings and, for some, lower energy levels or a dip in mood. These shorter days are one reason seasonal fatigue and even symptoms of seasonal depression can increase this time of year.

Even a one-hour shift can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder to fall asleep at the new bedtime. Doctors note that your body may take a few days — or up to a week — to fully adjust. That means lingering grogginess, earlier wake-ups, or difficulty winding down at night may continue into the week.

Sleep experts recommend simple strategies to help get back on track, including:

• Getting outside in natural light early in the day

• Avoiding screens close to bedtime

• Keeping regular sleep and wake times

• Limiting caffeine later in the afternoon

With consistent habits, most people will adapt to the change, but the weekend’s time shift serves as a reminder that even small changes in our day-to-day rhythm can have real effects on how we feel — mentally and physically.