Time change is a constant occurrence that most of us have become accustomed to. It is routine for us to perform one or two hour adjustments on our clocks twice every year, in line with daylight saving time.

Although this may seem like a small and insignificant habit, what most people do not realize is that time change presents several threats to our health.

1. Disrupted Circadian Rhythm

Circadian rhythm refers to the internal biological clock that regulates our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. It is responsible for the release of certain hormones such as melatonin that help us sleep.

When we disrupt this rhythm, as we do during time change, our body goes into a state of confusion that can affect our ability to sleep and wake up as normal. This can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and poor mental health.

2. Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

According to studies conducted by the American Heart Association, time change can result in a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday following the switch to daylight saving time.

The combination of disrupted sleep patterns and increased stress levels can cause the heart to work harder, resulting in a rise in blood pressure and a higher risk of stroke.

3. Road Accidents

When you adjust your clocks during daylight saving time, it means that it will be darker in the mornings and brighter in the evenings.

This can be dangerous for motorists who are used to a specific level of light during their morning or evening commutes. Research shows that road accidents increase by 6% during the week following the switch to daylight saving time.

4. Increased Risk of Workplace Injury

People who work in high-risk jobs such as construction, manufacturing, or warehousing are at risk of injury when time changes. The disruption of sleep patterns can result in decreased alertness, making them more prone to accidents.

This can lead to various types of injuries that can be severe.

5. Mental Health Impacts

Time change can also affect our mental health. Disruptions to our sleep patterns can lead to irritability, mood swings, and depression.

The sudden shift in activity patterns can also result in a lack of motivation, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels.

6. Decreased Productivity

Disrupted sleep patterns can also have an impact on our productivity levels. Poorly rested employees are more likely to make errors, be late for work, and have trouble with concentration and decision-making.

This can decrease overall productivity levels and affect businesses adversely.

7. Eating Habits

Time change can also impact our eating habits. Studies have found that changes in daylight hours can affect our hunger and satiety levels, leading to overeating or undereating.

This can lead to weight gain and other health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

8. General Fatigue

When our sleep patterns are disrupted, it can leave us feeling fatigued and tired. This can affect our ability to undertake daily activities such as going to work, exercising, or taking care of family.

The continued fatigue can lead to feelings of burnout and more severe health issues, which can be dangerous to our overall health and well-being.

9. Increased Risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during specific times of the year, most commonly during winter months when there is less daylight.

Time change can worsen seasonal affective disorder, as it can cause a shift in daily activity patterns, affecting our mood and overall mental state.

10. Hormonal Disruption

Disruptions to our sleep patterns can also affect our hormones, including the hormone leptin, which is responsible for regulating our appetite. Disruption of leptin levels can lead to overeating, which can result in weight gain and other health issues.

The Bottom Line

Although time change may not seem like a significant factor, it presents several threats to our health. Disruption of sleep patterns, mood swings, and increased stress levels are a few of the dangers of changing time.

It is essential to take proactive measures to ensure that we minimize these threats to our health and well-being.