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Daylight Saving Time Change: Health & Sleep Tips

The time change refers to the twice-yearly shift between summer and winter time. It can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and cause various health complaints.

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Things worth knowing about "Daylight Saving Time Change"

The time change refers to the twice-yearly shift between summer and winter time. It can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and cause various health complaints.

What Is the Time Change?

The time change – commonly known as daylight saving time (DST) – refers to the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in autumn. This biannual adjustment is observed in many countries across Europe and North America, though its benefits are increasingly questioned by scientists and policymakers.

Background and History

Daylight saving time was originally introduced to make better use of natural daylight and to reduce energy consumption. Today, the energy-saving argument is considered largely outdated, and the European Union has been discussing the abolition of the time change, although a final decision has not yet been reached.

Health Effects of the Time Change

The time change can disrupt the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. The spring transition – when one hour of sleep is lost – is generally considered more taxing on the body than the autumn shift.

Sleep and Fatigue

In the days following the time change, many people experience:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Increased daytime sleepiness
Reduced concentration and cognitive performance
Lower physical and mental energy levels

Mood and Mental Well-being

Changes in light exposure affect the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and serotonin (associated with mood regulation). Sensitive individuals may experience depressive moods, increased irritability, or general emotional instability in the days following the clock change.

Cardiovascular Risks

Research has shown a slight increase in the risk of heart attacks and strokes in the days immediately following the spring clock change. Sleep deprivation and increased stress on the autonomic nervous system are considered contributing factors.

Other Symptoms

Headaches
Digestive discomfort
Changes in appetite
Weakened immune response with prolonged sleep disruption

Who Is Most Affected?

While most people adapt to the time change within a few days, certain groups are more vulnerable:

Infants and young children, whose sleep routines are especially sensitive
Older adults, whose circadian clocks adapt more slowly
Shift workers, who already deal with irregular sleep schedules
People with mental health conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder
Individuals with existing sleep disorders

Tips for Adapting to the Time Change

Sleep medicine specialists recommend the following strategies to ease the transition:

Gradually adjust your sleep schedule in the days before the change (shifting by 15–20 minutes each night)
Get exposure to natural daylight in the morning to help reset the internal clock
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening
Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
Establish a calming bedtime routine

When to See a Doctor

Most symptoms related to the time change resolve within a few days to two weeks. However, if sleep difficulties, persistent mood changes, or ongoing fatigue last longer, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Underlying conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or sleep apnea may need to be ruled out.

References

Janszky I., Ljung R.: Shifts to and from Daylight Saving Time and Incidence of Myocardial Infarction. New England Journal of Medicine, 2008; 359:1966–1968.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM): Daylight Saving Time Health Advisory, 2020. Available at: https://aasm.org
World Health Organization (WHO): Sleep and Health – Fact Sheet, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int

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