Can Daylight Saving Time Affect Your Health?
Daylight saving time, the practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year, can have a significant impact on our health. This yearly time change disrupts our daily routines and can result in various health problems. While we can’t avoid daylight saving time, there are ways to ease the transition and minimize the associated risks.
Daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March, when clocks move forward an hour. The goal of this time change, which has been in place for over 50 years, is to provide more daylight hours and reduce the need for additional lighting. However, only Arizona and Hawaii are exempt from this practice.
The end of daylight saving time occurs on the first Sunday of November, when clocks are set back an hour to standard time. During this period, we tend to go to bed and fall asleep later, leading to a delayed sleep-wake cycle and contributing to sleep loss.
The shift in time can increase the risk of several health problems and incidents. Studies have shown a link between daylight saving time and mental health disorders such as depression, as well as an increased risk of suicide in the days following the spring and fall transitions. It has also been found that this time change can heighten the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hospital admissions. Additionally, fatal car crashes have been shown to increase by 6% during this time, and workplace injuries become more prevalent, leading to a lower quality of life for employees.
While there are potential health benefits of daylight saving time, such as promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging outdoor activities, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. If you believe that daylight saving time is causing serious health problems, seeking help from a healthcare professional is recommended.
To prepare for daylight saving time and ease the transition, here are some tips from the Cleveland Clinic:
1. Get ready a few days prior: Start adjusting your bedtime gradually, going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier or later than your typical bedtime.
2. Stick to your schedule: Maintain consistency with your eating, exercise, and bedtime routines as you manage the switch to daylight saving time. Bringing bright light into your bedroom may also help with adjustment.
3. Avoid long naps: Refrain from taking long naps during the day, as this can make it harder to adjust to the time change. If you prefer to keep your naps, limit them to 20 minutes or less.
4. Watch your caffeine and alcohol intake: Avoid consuming coffee and caffeinated drinks four to six hours before bedtime. It is also recommended to steer clear of alcohol late at night, as it can disrupt your sleep quality.
To aid in the adjustment, consider using helpful tools such as a sound machine, a weighted blanket, or a sunrise alarm clock. A sound machine can provide undisturbed sleep with a variety of soothing sounds, while a weighted blanket can promote calmness and sound sleep. A sunrise alarm clock simulates a natural sunrise to help you wake up gradually and can also serve as a regular alarm clock.
Navigating the time changes associated with daylight saving time can be challenging for our health. By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to prepare and adjust, we can minimize the impact on our well-being.
By Taneia Surles, Personal Injury Blogger
