Daylight saving time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10 and while we welcome the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, the annual ritual of “spring forward” also means that we lose an hour’s sleep.
“Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life,” shared Porshia Mack, MD, and associate chief medical officer, ambulatory services. “During sleep, your body is supporting healthy brain function and physical health.”
Although the clock shifts only one hour, the abrupt time change impacts our quantity and quality of sleep and can also have negative health impacts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies have shown that during the week after the start of DST there is an increase in heart attacks, strokes and serious car accidents.
Daylight saving time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10 and while we welcome the extra hour of daylight in the evenings, the annual ritual of “spring forward” also means that we lose an hour’s sleep.
“Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life,” shared Porshia Mack, MD, and associate chief medical officer, ambulatory services. “During sleep, your body is supporting healthy brain function and physical health.”
Although the clock shifts only one hour, the abrupt time change impacts our quantity and quality of sleep and can also have negative health impacts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies have shown that during the week after the start of DST there is an increase in heart attacks, strokes and serious car accidents.
Developing a plan to cope with the time change can reduce its impact on your sleep and overall wellness. The CDC recommends these simple steps to get ready:
- Try to go to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier each night before the time change. This will give your body a chance to adjust.
- Begin to transition the timing of other daily routines that are “time cues” for your body. For example, start eating dinner a little earlier each night or exercising slightly earlier in the morning.
- On Saturday night, set your clocks ahead one hour in the early evening. Then go to sleep at your normal bedtime.
- Try to go outside for some early morning sunlight on Sunday. The bright light will help set your “body clock,” which regulates sleep and alertness.
- Be mindful of how DST may be affecting your body and be careful when driving if you feel drowsy on Sunday.
- Stick to your bedtime on Sunday night to get plenty of sleep before the workweek begins on Monday.
Don’t ignore the importance of getting enough sleep for your overall health and wellness. Adults should strive for seven or more hours of quality sleep per night.
For more information and tools to improve your sleep habits including a bedtime calculator, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.