Has "falling back" an hour hit you hard? This past Sunday, on November 1st, it was time to move the clocks again, but this time we moved them back an hour. Because the time changes at 2 AM, many people change their clocks before they go to bed while others choose to do it upon waking up. Well, that is for those who still own clocks...
What is DST?
Daylight Saving Time, also known as DST, was actually first used by Canada in 1908 to conserve energy and make better use of daylight. Now, about 40% of countries around the world use it. During World War I, the U.S. began to implement it for the same reasons. At that time, people thought that not waking up in the dark would decrease the use of fuel for lighting and heating. While this may have seemed like a good idea then, it has been a controversial topic for the past few years. Many people want to vote for DST to no longer exist.
How Does it Affect Us?
There are many health issues associated with this seasonal time change. Have you ever experienced jet lag? It's the worst - making you feel all disoriented and tired. Well, DST has similar effects. They say it's "like scooting one time zone over." These changes are known to disrupt sleep, metabolism, mood, stress levels, and other bodily rhythms. There has been research done to show that these time changes have increased heart attacks, workplace injuries, and car accidents.
Who Does it Affect Most?
Research has shown that those who sleep less than 7 hours a night might be most affected by the time change, especially when Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall. For early birds or people who wake up early in the morning, it's difficult to adjust to the change as well, now that it's brighter than ever when they rise. While it may give people an "extra" hour of sleep, the adjustment is what becomes the challenge. It usually takes about a week to feel alright, so don't worry you're almost there!
How to Cope with DST?
While light can be a great thing, it also suppresses the secretion of melatonin, which is the substance in your brain that helps you fall asleep. Try to expose yourself to the light during the waking hours as much as possible, and avoid it as it begins to get dark outside. Some other things you can try are the following: avoid naps, incorporate a bedtime routine, or even taking some melatonin. Beurer also has some products that can help your sleeping habits.
Make sure to share your thoughts about DST below!