Are you prepared to 'spring forward' this Sunday, March 10, when Daylight Savings Time begins?

Every year, Daylight Savings Time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. According to National Geographic, seasonal time shifts, like Daylight Savings, are created to maximize sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere (2023, par. 2). The bad news? You lose an hour of sleep.

But how else does sleep deprivation affect our health?

Our bodies run on a finely tuned internal clock – the circadian rhythm. Our circadian rhythm monitors essential things that keep us running, such as sleep-wake cycles, hormone releases, and psychological processes. Studies reveal that on the first Monday after Daylight Savings Time, there were 5.7% more occupational injuries and 67.6% more missed workdays as a result of accidents (2011, par. 3). When Daylight Savings begins, our sleep is disrupted and could make us more susceptible to issues including:

• Weakened cognitive function,
• Increased risk of heart attacks,
• A rise in traffic accidents due to jet lag-like sleep deprivation

Since Daylight Saving Time impacts everything from how our brains work to our immune systems, even a single hour might trigger underlying health problems. Prepare for this shift to ensure you get the best sleep possible.

Tips to prepare for DST:

1. Optimize your sleep:
   • To improve your sleep quality, avoid naps, exercise daily, and stick to a sleep routine.
2. Limit caffeine and alcohol:
   •  Reduced coffee and alcohol intake can significantly improve sleep interruption, minimizing the impacts of DST.
3. Get natural light exposure:
   • Light regulates our circadian rhythm and signals the brain to be attentive. It also affects the melatonin generated in your body, a critical sleep-promoting hormone.
4. Plan to stay alert during your commute:
   • Allow additional time on the road if you feel drowsy or less awake than usual. Listening to music or podcasts can also help you stay alert, as can opening the window for fresh air.

To ensure you get a good night's rest, go through this healthy sleep checklist, which also has resources for working odd hours or night shifts. Remember, a better sleep means a more productive you!