After a bitter winter with record levels of snow in the parched environment of the
Rocky Mountains, the birds are chirping and the thaw of spring is here. The light
dawns earlier and the day is beginning to stretch. Most of America will lose an hour
of sleep to Daylight Savings Time (DST) with few plans in place to defray the
hazards.
The Hazards of Daylight Savings Time
For at least ten years, science has documented the hazards of Daylight Savings time
(DST). The loss of a single hour of sleep can wreak havoc on the body for days, weeks,
and even months. More than 60% of the world’s countries have kicked the time
change to the curb for good reason. The states of Arizona and Hawaii do not observe
the twice per year shift either.
Night owls and teenagers suffer the most. Beside the feeling of jet-lag, statistics
compiled by Northwestern Medicine show DST throws off your circadian rhythm
and is linked to a concerning list of immediate and long-term health effects.
Serious health impacts during the week after DST include:
1. 24% higher risk of heart attacks
2. 6% spike in fatal car accidents
3. 8% increase in strokes
4. 11% spike in depressive episodes like seasonal depression
5. Increases in diseases of the digestive and immune system (3% increase in colitis
for females over 60)
Long term health effects include:
1. Depression
2. Slower metabolism
3. Weight gain
4. Cluster Headaches
There is hope that DST will be eradicated this year. The Sunshine Protection Act
2023 is a bipartisan effort to “lock the clock” and make March 12th, 2023 the last time
Americans have to adjust their clocks by season. Instituted in 1918 and a largely
useless attempt to save energy, it will take an act of congress to change. While the
history is fascinating, its impact on health makes this change a “no-brainer.”
Until our politicians can agree and decide to follow the wisdom of science, it is up to
you to be aware of the risks and take special care of your sleep in the following weeks.
Tips to avoid the hazards of Daylight Savings Time
In the Morning
1. Get outside first thing in the morning. Natural light preserves your circadian
rhythm.
2. Exercise. It will reset your internal clock and build your sleep drive (and boost
focus).
Bedtime
1. Keep a sleep routine of 7-10 hours each night, but start an hour earlier this
week.
2. Avoid sleep disruptors: limit caffeine, alcohol, and screen time.
Invest in your sleep with intention this week, and avoid the hazards of Daylight
Savings Time. Invest in it regularly, and live longer by 13%!
Be your own Sunshine Protection Act.
Written By FitPros Wellbeing Speaker, Neeli Clute https://www.agileintellectneuro.com/
Contact us today to schedule one or more sessions with Neeli!
FitPros is a turn-key wellness provider empowering people to take charge of their personal health.
Contact FitPros to diversify your company’s wellbeing offerings and help employees meet their health & fitness goals.