Unlocking the Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Your Health: What You Need to Know!

As Americans get ready to change their clocks this Sunday, many are feeling the weight of losing an hour of sleep. A recent Gallup poll shows that more than half of U.S. adults are against daylight saving time. Scientists suggest this dislike might stem from the real effects on our health.

Jennifer Martin, a sleep expert from UCLA, explains that the springtime clock change can lead to widespread sleep deprivation. “Many people in the U.S. are already not getting enough rest,” she says. “This shift only worsens those problems.”

Even though losing just one hour may seem minor, it can have significant health effects. Our bodies have an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, that helps regulate sleep and wakefulness. When we switch to daylight saving time, our internal clock gets out of sync with the actual daylight hours. Martin points out, “During Standard Time, our body’s rhythms match the sun more closely. But when we spring forward, it stays dark longer in the morning, which is not ideal for our health.”

This misalignment can worsen issues like anxiety and depression. Studies show that heart attacks and strokes can become more common around this time. Martin says we also see a rise in traffic accidents and issues with punctuality as people adjust to the new time.

To ease the transition, experts once recommended adjusting your schedule gradually by 15 minutes each day before the change. However, Martin argues that this isn’t practical since most aspects of daily life don’t shift that way. Society all changes at once, which makes it tough.

While some might consider using sleep aids like melatonin, Martin cautions against it. These aids can make you groggy, which is the last thing people need while struggling to adjust. Instead, she suggests allowing your body to naturally adapt. “This change is biological and can’t be tackled just by trying harder,” she advises.

In summary, while daylight saving time might come with longer evenings, it also brings challenges for our sleep and health. Taking a little extra time to adjust can help make the transition smoother.

Check out this related article: How THC Use During Pregnancy May Impact Fetal Lung Development and Child’s Future Respiratory Health