On March 8, most of the US and Canada sets clocks forwardan hour. You know the saying, “Spring forward, fall back.” What effect does losing an hour in your daily routine to the start of Daylight Savings Time (DST) have on your health?
Many people feel groggy or tired when the time changes in spring. Disrupted sleep schedules have negative impacts on the body’s circadian rhythms. Hospital admissions increase at this time of year, as do car crashfatalities. Stress at the start of DST causes elevated production of cortisoland inflammatory markers, with more heart attacks and strokes.
How can you avoid these potentially life-threatening consequences of the switch to Daylight Savings Time?
Officially, Daylight Savings Time (where it is in effect) begins at 2am Sunday morning. It’s probably more efficient to turn your alarm clock ahead at bedtime on Saturday night so you don’t miss out on Sunday morning events. Start shifting your sleep schedule slightly backwards about 2-3 days earlier in the week of the time change. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals within 2-3 hours of when you go to bed.
Ensure propersleep hygiene- keeping your bedroom dark, cool, quiet, and free of electronic devices. Get a 10-15 minute dose of morning sunlight as soon as you wake up. If you need a daytime nap because of extra fatigue, make it a short one so it doesn’t interfere with your night’s sleep.
Be prepared to spring forward with energy and good health on the morning of March 8.
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