Bill Sias MPHC, Pn1, SFMA, FMSC2, YBT, FCS, M-CPT
There is nothing political about this post. However, since the new administration is discussing making a change I thought you’d like to know…
Every year, we face that biannual ritual of adjusting our clocks. For many of us, it’s an inconvenience; for others, it’s a disruption. But have you ever wondered why we even do it? And more importantly, how it affects our health?
Let’s dive into the history and the surprising health implications of daylight savings time (DST).
The Origins of Daylight Savings Time
Daylight savings time wasn’t invented to mess with your sleep—though it might feel that way. The idea was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784. Franklin suggested that adjusting sleep schedules could save on candles and make better use of natural daylight. His proposal was more satire than serious policy, but it planted a seed.
The modern version of DST was introduced in the early 20th century. Germany was the first country to adopt it in 1916 during World War I to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting. The United States followed suit in 1918. After several decades of experimentation, it became standardized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the rationale has shifted over time, the concept of saving energy remained a primary argument.
But does DST actually save energy? Studies suggest the impact is minimal. While there might be less electricity used for lighting, increased heating or air conditioning needs can offset any savings. So if energy savings aren’t significant, why do we continue this twice-a-year ritual?
The Health Costs of Changing the Clocks
While the original intent might have been economic, the unintended consequences of DST have turned out to be personal. Adjusting the clocks disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, mood, and overall health.
Here are some of the health issues linked to daylight savings time:
- Sleep Disruption: Even a one-hour shift can throw off your sleep schedule. Losing an hour in the spring is particularly rough, leading to shorter sleep and more groggy mornings.
- Heart Health: Studies have shown an increase in heart attacks in the days following the springtime change. The stress of sleep deprivation and disruption to circadian rhythms are likely contributors.
- Mental Health: The clock change has been linked to an uptick in depressive episodes. The loss of evening light during the fall transition can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression triggered by reduced sunlight exposure.
- Increased Accidents: The darker mornings and grogginess caused by the clock change lead to more car accidents and workplace injuries in the days after DST begins.
- Productivity Loss: Sleep-deprived employees are less productive, and the transition period sees a notable dip in workplace efficiency.
Should We Abolish Daylight Savings Time?
In recent years, the debate around DST has heated up. Many argue it’s an outdated practice with more drawbacks than benefits. Some states and countries have even opted out of DST altogether. For example, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe it.
Health experts advocate for adopting permanent standard time instead of bouncing between time changes. Standard time aligns more closely with our natural circadian rhythms, which would reduce the health risks associated with the twice-yearly shifts.
How to Cope with the Transition
If abolishing DST isn’t happening anytime soon, here are a few tips to make the adjustment easier on your body:
- Gradual Adjustments: A few days before the time change, start going to bed 15 minutes earlier (or later, depending on the season).
- Prioritize Sleep: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and ensure you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
- Expose Yourself to Light: Natural light helps regulate your internal clock. Get outside in the morning after the time change to help your body adjust.
- Limit Screen Time: Blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production. Avoid electronics an hour before bed.
- Stay Active: Exercise can improve sleep quality and help your body adapt to the time change more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Daylight savings time might have made sense during a time of wartime conservation and candlelit evenings, but its relevance today is questionable at best. As research continues to highlight its negative health impacts, the push to move away from it grows stronger.
In the meantime, being proactive about your sleep and daily habits can help mitigate the disruption—and make that extra hour of daylight feel like a little less of a trade-off.
What are your thoughts on daylight savings time? Do you love the longer evenings in summer or dread the clock changes?
Living a healthy lifestyle is not always easy, especially on your own. Contact me for a free strategy session. 231-329-8835 Bar.and.Plate@gmail.com