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Daylight saving time may make you more susceptible to certain health problems

Twice annually, many of us find ourselves adjusting to the disruptive ritual of setting our clocks either an hour back or forward in line with daylight saving time. This shift often leads to a heavier reliance on caffeine and can make waking up more challenging. Additionally, it may heighten the risk of certain health issues.

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Though daylight saving time remains unavoidable for most, there are strategies to ease the transition and mitigate potential health impacts.

This article discusses: BrownNoise Sound Machine, Topcee Weighted Blanket, and Dreamegg Sunrise Alarm Clock.

When is daylight saving time?

Daylight saving time kicks off on the second Sunday of March, pushing clocks forward by an hour. According to USA Facts, this practice has been in place for over half a century, aimed at maximizing daylight hours to cut down on the need for artificial lighting. Notably, Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that do not observe this time change.

When does daylight saving time end?

The end of daylight saving time occurs on the first Sunday of November when clocks are set back an hour to the standard time. 

How does daylight saving time affect your health?

During daylight saving time, we tend to go to bed and fall asleep later, which leads to a delayed sleep-wake cycle, contributing to sleep loss, according to Sleep Education. 

Shifting times can increase your risk of health problems and incidents, such as:

• Mental health problems: Daylight saving time has been linked to mental health disorders such as depression and an increased risk of suicide the days after the spring and fall transitions.
• Heart problems: Research reveals that daylight saving time can heighten the risk of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke.
• Hospital admissions: A research article revealed an increase in hospital admissions in the week following the daylight saving time spring transition.
• Fatal car crashes: A study found that the time change increased the risk of fatal accidents by 6%. 
• Workplace injuries: The sleep-related effects of daylight saving time can contribute to a heightened risk of workplace injuries, leading to a lower quality of life among employees, loss of income, and even death. 

If you believe daylight saving time is causing serious health problems, please seek help from a health care professional. 

Are there any health benefits of daylight saving time?

One potential health benefit of daylight saving time is that it can promote healthy lifestyles by letting people enjoy more outdoor activities rather than sedentary activities, such as watching television. 

Tips to prepare for daylight saving time

Here are tips for preparing and adjusting to daylight saving time, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

• Get ready a few days prior: A week or so before the time change, begin going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier or later than your typical bedtime. Doing this gives your body more time to adjust to the time going an hour forward or back to standard time.
• Stick to your schedule: Stay consistent with the times you eat, exercise and go to bed as you manage the switch to daylight saving time. You can also bring bright light into your bedroom to help you adjust.
• Avoid long naps: Don’t take long naps during the day, as this can make it harder to deal with the time change, as you may face challenges with going to sleep at night. If you don’t want to let go of your naps, keep them 20 minutes and under. 
• Don’t drink coffee or alcohol close to bedtime: Avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks four to six hours before bedtime. It’s also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol late at night, as this beverage can make it harder to get good-quality sleep.

Best tools to prepare for daylight saving time

Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow

Arguably, the most important factor in a good night’s sleep is a high-quality pillow that works for your preferred sleeping position. This pillow is adjustable, allowing you to add or remove fill to get the right height and firmness for your comfort. It works for all sleep positions.

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask

This unique sleep mask provides deep-touch pressure that targets pressure points and helps you relax so you can fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. It’s ideal for side or back sleepers and can even be worn upright if you are flying or riding in a car. 

BrownNoise Sound Machine

Ensure that you get undisturbed sleep with a sound machine. It has 30 sounds and 12 colors to choose from. It has an adjustable night light to create your desired sleep environment. It also has five timer settings and a memory function, so it won’t reset when you cut it off. 

Topcee Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket can bring calmness and sound sleep as you transition to daylight saving time. It is made of soft, breathable material and filled with hypoallergenic glass beads. It’s recommended that you pick a blanket between 8% to 12% of your body weight.

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Dreamegg Sunrise Alarm Clock

When you “spring forward,” your mornings get darker. To get some sunlight, consider a sunrise alarm clock. The Dreamegg Sunrise Alarm Clock has a built-in white noise machine with 29 sounds, including meditations and lullabies.  It also features nine different colors and adjustable brightness.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier 

When it comes to staying healthy and rested, being hydrated is always a smart idea. Liquid I.V. packets help hydrate faster than water alone because of the included electrolytes and nutrients.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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