As clocks prepare to “spring forward,” doctors are warning that the start of daylight saving time can have real impacts on people’s health and safety.

The time change, which happens early Sunday morning, means losing an hour of sleep. While that may not seem like much, medical experts say even a small disruption to sleep can affect the body.

Doctors at North Shore University Hospital say the shift is linked to a higher risk of vehicle crashes and workplace accidents in the days following the transition. They also say studies have found increases in heart attacks and strokes after the clocks move forward.

One of the best ways to prepare is by going to bed earlier in the days leading up to the time change and giving yourself extra time to wake up and adjust on Sunday morning.

"If you have to do things Sunday morning, that are complex or require alertness, just be extra vigilant understanding your body and brain may not be working at their best," said Dr. Dr. Chidubem Iloabachie, the Associate chair of Emergency Medicine at Northwell's North Shore University Hospital.

Safety advocates are also urging drivers to be especially cautious during the week after the switch.

According to AAA, fatal car crashes increase by about six percent in the week following the transition to Daylight Saving Time.

Doctors recommend spending about an hour outside in natural sunlight if possible. Sunlight can help regulate the body’s internal clock and make the adjustment to the new schedule a little easier.