As the clock approaches the seasonal shift to Daylight Saving Time (DST), discussions about its implications for health and safety intensify. This year, the transition will take place on March 12, as clocks spring forward one hour. The discussion about Daylight Saving Time has been going on for decades. There’s plenty of research to substantiate how harmful the biannual clock change is to our physical health, mental health, and workplace productivity.
The twice-annual clock change—springing forward in March and falling back in November—most recently raised the ire of health professionals. A recent study highlighted that abolishing DST in favor of permanent Standard Time could reduce the prevalence of obesity and stroke among the population. Together, these findings certainly invite skepticism about the value of persisting with the practice. A clearer, more fixed time frame would provide clear added health benefits.
That’s just the start of why this DST transition is so fraught. It’s in line with a huge increase in roadside and workplace fatalities. The sudden change in time causes an immediate and harsh disruption to people’s circadian rhythms, often resulting in shortened and poorer quality sleep. Our research shows that this disruption takes a major toll on productivity. This effect is particularly pronounced in an educational and workplace setting in the days immediately following the time change.
Some demographic groups, such as women, seniors, and lower-income workers, are disproportionately negatively impacted by DST. Older adults, children, teenagers, and individuals with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of disrupted sleep cycles. As sleep becomes increasingly disrupted, these populations are at an increased risk of negative health, public, and personal safety outcomes.
A study conducted in Denmark revealed that the transition from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time was linked to an 11% increase in episodes of depression. Given the negative health impacts identified—both physical and mental—these findings indicate that the mental health effects of changing time deserve careful attention. Any disruption to your own internal biological rhythms can lead you off of the natural 24-hour cycle. This cycle is essential to regulating several major bodily functions.
Seasonal changes in daylight also compound these effects, and exacerbate health inequities. This is increasingly the case for those residing at higher northern latitudes, where autumn days intrinsically grow shorter. The extra evening daylight gained through DST leads people to stay up later and go to bed at the same time they always did, leading to less sleep. This internal misalignment is believed to lead to sleep-inhibiting fatigue and increased fatigability during waking hours.
Experts suggest making small adjustments to your sleep schedule in the days leading up to the time change. This is one key step to reducing the negative impacts of DST transitions. Try to go to bed and wake up a little earlier each day until Daylight Saving Time begins. This will allow your body to start adjusting to the new schedule and lessen the jolt to your internal clock.
Growing evidence suggests that maintaining permanent Standard Time may be beneficial for aligning daily schedules more closely with the natural cycle of the sun. Proponents of the move contend that by doing so, jurisdictions will improve public health and reduce fatal accidents. As our country re-examines the benefits, or lack thereof, of Daylight Saving Time, these studies can influence lawmakers. Together, they will likely advocate for a longer-term solution.
