The Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Health: Experts Call for Change

Days are beginning to get longer and soon it will be time for clocks to “spring forward” as daylight saving time happens in March.

As clocks moved ahead one hour, it can disrupt our circadian rhythms, which typically happens at least twice a year: with the beginning and end of daylight saving time.

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock. They run in the background to carry out essential functions and processes, including appetite, alertness/sleepiness and body temperature. The sleep-wake cycle is one of the most important and well-known circadian rhythms, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Time changes upset those rhythms.

“The hour gained or lost with daylight saving time shifts may not seem like a major issue, but that small change is enough to be disruptive for many people,” said Dr. Ashley Thomas, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Clintonville.

This year, we “spring ahead” on March 10. With the beginning of daylight saving time, we’ll move our clocks forward one hour. While many of us can feel groggy and crabby with the time shift, the effects of daylight saving time can go deeper.

When we move our clocks forward, we’re going to sleep and rise before our internal clocks are ready for us to do so. The shift can result in disruption that lasts for the duration of daylight saving time. That, in turn, can lead to potential impacts on health, including an uptick in strokes, heart attacks, stress, and mood disturbances.

Of course, the change can also negatively impact sleep. Poor sleep can lead someone to feel fatigued, unfocused, and forgetful. Chronic sleep problems can increase the chance of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and some cancers. It can also interfere with mood and mental health, as well as daily tasks, such as working and driving.

“Your body needs sleep to function correctly,” Dr. Thomas said. “When you consistently don’t get enough sleep, there can be a real impact on a person’s health.”

In recent years, there’s been a congressional push to transition to permanent daylight saving time. Due to the adverse health effects of daylight saving time, many experts instead advocate for abolishing daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time.

For now, we must continue to manage the twice-a-year shifts between daylight and standard time. The good news is that you can take steps to minimize the impact of the time change. Health experts recommend:

“Use daylight to help your body adjust,” Dr. Thomas recommended. “Head outside on Sunday morning and take in the light, and during the evening, dim the lights. This can help reset your internal clock.”

The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week also kicks off on March 10. The observance is dedicated to raising awareness about the connection between sleep and health and well-being.

Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each day. To set the stage for a good night’s sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends these steps:

“When you prioritize your sleep health, you’re likely to also see benefits to your mood and well-being,” Dr. Thomas said.

If someone would like to discuss their sleep concerns, Dr. Thomas recommended talking with a primary care provider. To schedule an appointment, visit ThedaCare Physicians-Clintonville.