It’s hard to believe that March is here and the first day of spring is right around the corner. Daylight Saving Time started Sunday, March 8, 2020. It’s a time in which we turn the clocks forward one hour, and, unfortunately, lose one hour of sleep.
This may not seem like a big deal, but this small-time shift with Daylight Saving Time can cause a lot of Sleep Deprivation and Health-Related Issues (CNN):
- Increased Number of Heart Attacks: A 2012 research study at the University of Alabama showed a 10 percent increase in heart attacks on the Monday and Tuesday after the start of Daylight Saving Time.
- Increased Number of Strokes: A 2016 study from the University of Finland showed an 8 percent increase in stroke in the 2 days following the start of Daylight Saving Time.
- Increased Workplace Injuries: From 1983-2006, a study from the mining industry showed more injuries on the Monday after the time change versus the rest of the year
- Increased Number of Car Accidents: Sleep deprivation can delay reaction time and impair you from making good decisions
Daylight Saving Time does not have to be dangerous. Here are Four Tips to help you “Spring Forward” into Daylight Saving Time (UConn):
- Gradual Transition To Time Change: Especially for those taking care of children, start now by putting your children to bed 15 minutes earlier and then moving that back until it is an entire hour earlier than previous
- Avoid Bright Lights Before Bed: This includes TV, phone/tablet screens, and computers
- Get Some Exercise During The Day: Aim for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week
- Get Up If You Cannot Sleep: If you’ve been awake for more than 20 minutes, get up, go to another room, and do something relaxing to help you get drowsy, like read a book