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Daylight Saving Time: Health Effects Explained

Daylight saving time shifts clocks forward by one hour each spring. This change can disrupt sleep, the body clock, and overall health.

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Things worth knowing about "daylight saving time"

Daylight saving time shifts clocks forward by one hour each spring. This change can disrupt sleep, the body clock, and overall health.

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight saving time (DST) refers to the annual practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in spring to extend evening daylight. In Europe, clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in March. The original purpose was to make better use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption.

Background and History

Daylight saving time was first introduced during World War I as an energy-saving measure. In the European Union, all member states observe DST uniformly. Despite ongoing political debate about abolishing the practice, it remains in effect across most of Europe and many other parts of the world.

Effects on the Human Body

The spring clock change is known to disrupt the circadian rhythm -- the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, body temperature, and numerous other physiological processes. Losing one hour of sleep can have a measurable impact on health.

Common Complaints After the Time Change

Sleep disturbances: The shortened night during the transition can lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep for several days or even weeks.
Fatigue and exhaustion: Reduced sleep can cause persistent tiredness, poor concentration, and decreased productivity.
Mood changes: Some people experience irritability, low mood, or mild depressive symptoms in the days following the change.
Digestive issues: Because the gastrointestinal tract also follows a circadian rhythm, appetite and digestion may be temporarily affected.
Cardiovascular effects: Research suggests a small but measurable increase in the risk of heart attack and stroke in the days immediately following the spring clock change.

At-Risk Groups

Certain groups are more sensitive to the effects of the time change:

Infants and young children, whose sleep rhythms are especially fragile
Older adults, whose circadian rhythms are less adaptable
Individuals with pre-existing sleep disorders or mental health conditions such as depression
People with heart disease or high blood pressure

Tips for Adjusting

Sleep medicine experts recommend the following strategies to ease the transition to daylight saving time:

Gradually shift bedtime earlier by 15 to 20 minutes in the days before the clock change
Maintain good sleep hygiene: keep the bedroom dark and cool, and avoid screens before bed
Get morning sunlight exposure to help reset the internal clock
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening
Stick to consistent sleep and wake times, including on weekends

Scientific Debate and Outlook

Numerous studies and statements from medical organizations -- including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and European sleep societies -- advocate for the elimination of seasonal clock changes. The majority of experts favor permanent standard time (winter time) as the healthier option, since it aligns more closely with the natural light-dark cycle. The European Parliament voted in favor of abolishing the time change in 2019, but a final decision has not yet been implemented.

References

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM): Position Statement on Daylight Saving Time, 2020. Available at: www.aasm.org
Manfredini R. et al. - Daylight saving time and myocardial infarction: should we be worried? In: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 2018.
European Parliament: Resolution on the discontinuation of seasonal changes of time, 2019. Available at: www.europarl.europa.eu

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