The Impact of Shifting Time: The Health Consequences of Daylight Saving Time

The forthcoming Sunday promises additional slumber for those who rise with the dawn, as the clocks roll back granting an extra hour of sleep before the day begins in earnest.

However, this benefit is accompanied by a drawback: In the following week, the majority of the U.S. will see the daylight wane and nightfall encroach before the workday concludes. This transition ushers in standard time on November 5, replacing daylight saving time until March 10.

Well before the witching hour strikes, adjustments for the impending time shift should commence. When the clock strikes 2 a.m. early Sunday, it will retreat to 1 a.m. To keep pace, manual timepieces such as those in vehicles and on kitchen appliances should be dialed back Saturday night, unless they’re programmed to update autonomously.

The semiannual time shift is more than a mere inconvenience, potentially disturbing sleep patterns and causing scheduling conflicts. Health professionals warn of the more grave implications for wellbeing.

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The prevalent shortfall in American sleep is exacerbated by daylight saving time adjustments, according to Dr. Phyllis Zee of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. She notes that while gaining an hour in the fall is less taxing than losing one in the spring, it still affects both sleep duration and quality.

The repercussions of chronic sleep shortage are far-reaching, potentially escalating stress hormone levels that elevate heart rate and blood pressure, alongside inflammatory markers. Even a single hour’s disruption can impact multitasking abilities, alertness, and physical coordination, increasing susceptibility to mishaps.

Molly Hart of AAA’s Auto Club Group highlights a likely surge in vehicular incidents post time-change, cautioning drivers to be particularly vigilant during the darker early evenings and potential fatigue.

Regions including Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time.

There have been legislative efforts in Congress to cease the daylight saving time shifts and maintain it year-round.

AP correspondent Donna Warder provides further insight on this issue.

In March 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act, though its progress was halted in the House. Senator Marco Rubio reintroduced the bill in March of the current year, which subsequently was assigned to a committee but has since seen no advancement.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about daylight saving time health effects

More about daylight saving time health effects

• Effects of Daylight Saving Time on Health
• Daylight Saving Time and Sleep
• Sleep Deprivation and Cardiovascular Disease
• Driving Safety and Time Changes
• Daylight Saving Time by State
• Sunshine Protection Act Information
• Report for America