Health experts warn of risks as clocks spring forward for daylight saving time
Doctors warn that losing an hour of sleep when clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving Time can increase fatigue and lead to more crashes, accidents, and health risks in the days after the time change.
More Stories
As clocks prepare to spring forward early Sunday morning for the start of daylight saving time, doctors are warning that the time change can have real impacts on people’s health and safety.
The shift forward by one hour means most people lose an hour of sleep. While that may not seem like much, medical experts say even a small disruption to sleep can temporarily affect the body.
Dr. Chidubem Iloabachie, Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, says the time change can throw off the body’s internal clock and lead to fatigue in the days that follow. Studies have also found an increase in heart attacks and strokes after the clocks move forward.
“Give yourself time to acclimate the new time. Increase your rest and your hydration,” Iloabachie said.
The loss of sleep can also have consequences when people try to maintain their regular routines, especially when it comes to driving.
Safety advocates say the fatigue many people experience after the time change can affect alertness, reaction time, and overall awareness behind the wheel.
According to AAA, fatal car crashes increase by about 6% in the week following the transition to Daylight Saving Time. Experts say that increase is likely linked to lost sleep and darker mornings.
Robert Sinclair, Senior Manager of Public Affairs for AAA, says sleep deprivation can impair drivers in ways that are similar to other forms of impairment.
“Your motor functions are degraded. Your impairment is lowered. You have decreased vigilance. You don't have the reaction time you would normally have,” Sinclair said.
He recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep before driving and being especially cautious during the first week after the time change.
Experts also recommend spending about an hour outside in natural sunlight, which can help regulate the body’s internal clock and make the adjustment a little easier.
“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,” Iloabachie said.
For many people, the change is simply an inconvenience.
“I do not like it because I don’t like the changes. I like when it is light in the morning when I wake up,” said Cinde Kusher of Plainview.
