Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Welcome to Health Matters. I’m Dr Michelle Wright, and this week, we’re discussing something you might not realise affects your health—Daylight Saving Time.
This year, Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday, March 30th, across Switzerland and Europe.
At 2:00am, the clocks will spring forward by one hour, meaning many will lose an hour of sleep.
The History of Daylight Saving Time
The practice of Daylight Saving time originally started to save energy costs by extending the hours of light during the evenings.
In the early 1980s, as Europe moved towards synchronising Daylight Saving Time in the bloc, Switzerland resisted this change, preferring to stay with Central European Time throughout the year.
But, due to the logistical problems involving train schedules and work exchanges with our European neighbours, the Swiss government also decided to adopt it. So now, Daylight Saving Time comes into effect the final Sunday in March and ends the final Sunday in October, when the clocks fall back an hour to Central European Time.
What does Daylight Daving Time have to do with health?
Well, research shows a slight increase in heart attacks, strokes, fatal car crashes, and workplace accidents following the spring clock change. And we also know that people report more mood problems in the days following Daylight Saving Time.
There are probably several reasons for these health effects, but sleep deprivation is the major factor. Due to the clock moving forward, many people are losing sleep on that first night of Daylight Saving Time. But sleep deprivation can continue well past March 30th. The increased sunlight in the evenings makes it feel natural to stay awake longer, and this causes our usual Circadian rhythm to shift.
The sleep and wake cycle of our body gets out of sync with our work and school schedule, which makes it harder for us to get enough sleep before the morning alarm clock goes off.
Sleep deprivation impacts concentration, which affects driving safety, workplace productivity, learning and mood.
It also increases inflammation in the body which may explain the spike in cardiovascular events.
Because of these effects, there’s debate over ending Daylight Saving Time. The European Parliament voted to abolish it in 2021, but no consensus was reached between the different countries, so for now, the system remains.
What are some tips to counter the health effects of Daylight Saving Time?
Try going to sleep 15 to 20 minutes earlier on 3 consecutive nights leading up to the time change. This will help your body adapt more slowly.
Also, reset your clock the night before Daylight Saving Time and stick to your normal bedtime on that Saturday.
On Sunday morning, get some early morning exposure to natural sunlight to help regulate your body’s rhythm.
And while it’s tempting to reach for more coffee on Monday morning to counter the sleepiness, excess caffeine can raise blood pressure so is best avoided.
Summing up: as we spring forward, remember to prioritise your sleep and give your body time to adjust – even an hour can make a difference.
