How Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Body and Tips for Recovery
Posted in Accident & Injury, Automobile, Car Accident, Health & Wellness, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident on March 4, 2025
On March 9th, most of the country will “spring forward” by moving their clocks ahead one hour. While losing an hour may not seem significant, it can noticeably impact mental and physical well-being. In fact, experts suggest that the shift in spring is the most disruptive of the time changes we experience each year.
Dr. Charles Czeisler, a professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, explains that even a minor change in time can lead to sleep loss, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Research from the University of Colorado Boulder also indicates that deadly car accidents increased by 6% following the transition to daylight saving time. This demonstrates how a slight alteration in rest can lead to significant consequences.
How the Time Change Disrupts Your Body
Daylight saving time can negatively impact conditions like anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder due to the potential for reduced sleep. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs with the change of seasons. Although many people associate it primarily with winter, about 10% of individuals with SAD experience symptoms during the spring and summer months.
Changes in daylight hours can affect mental health, particularly for those who are sensitive to shifts in their environment. Light is essential for maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm. The darker mornings and brighter evenings that come with daylight saving time can negatively impact this balance. Reduced morning sunlight can lead to decreased serotonin levels, affecting mood.
Meanwhile, the extended daylight hours in the evening may postpone melatonin production, making it more difficult to fall asleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that individuals sleep on average, 40 minutes less on the Monday after the time change begins. This lack of sleep can lead to grogginess, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, affecting work performance and overall well-being.
Ways to Help Your Body Adjust
- Improve sleep habits: Gradually adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier each night. A consistent routine makes the transition easier.
- Spend time in sunlight: Spending time outdoors during the day can help reset your internal clock. A brief walk or time spent in a park can make a significant difference.
- Follow a healthy diet: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can enhance sleep quality.
- Stay active: Even in small amounts, engaging in exercise can enhance your energy and uplift your mood. If outdoor activities are not feasible, consider simple indoor exercises like walking up and down stairs, stretching, or dancing to your favorite music.
Adapting to daylight saving time can be challenging, but with minor adjustments, you can help your body and mind adapt more effectively!