Daylight Saving Time: Protecting Your Health
Posted on: November 8, 2017Categories: LiveWell 24/7
Daylight saving time is this Sunday, meaning we shift our clocks back an hour. This time change can be more than just an annoyance, it can have many negative health effects due to disturbed circadian rhythms. Below is a list of conditions with increased risks associated with daylight saving time.
- Increased Risk of Stroke: A 2016 study found that stroke rates increased by 8% in the two days following daylight saving time.
- Increased Risk of Heart Attack: Instances of heart attacks increased by 10% in the two days following daylight saving time.
- Decreased IVF success rates: Changes in the circadian rhythm can affect fertility and reproduction, but decreased success rates are more associated with the March time change than the November change.
- Increased Cluster Headaches: Attacks often occur around seasonal changes and in response to changes in warmth and light.
- Increased Depression Diagnoses: The amount of daylight a person is exposed to has a strong impact on mood, particularly in the month following daylight savings time.
Here are some ways to protect your health during daylight saving time:
- More Sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Put Away Phones: Turn off your phone before heading to bed, or turn on Do Not Disturb mode.
- Create a Bedtime Ritual: Include deep breathing, stretches, and other relaxing habits.
- Avoid Eating Before Bed: Leave a few hours between eating and going to sleep.
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