Every year, we adjust our clocks to comply with Daylight Saving Time (DST). DST is a tradition where people move their clocks forward by one hour in the spring and revert them back in the fall.

This shift affects our daily routine, sleeping, eating, and many other aspects of our life. Daylight saving time can negatively affect our health. Studies have been conducted to identify the health risks associate with DST. These health risks range from sleep deprivation to cardiovascular diseases.

Sleep Deprivation

One of the most visible effects of DST is the disruption of our sleep patterns. DST leads to one less hour of sleep in the spring and one hour more of sleep in the fall.

This means that in the spring, people have to wake up and work an hour earlier than usual. This shift can lead to sleep deprivation and a higher chance of sleep-related illnesses like sleep apnea.

Studies showed that people experience more heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents on the day after DST begins in the spring because of sleep deprivation.

Depression and Anxiety

Our circadian rhythm is our body’s natural time keeper that controls our sleep-wake cycle. Due to the one-hour shift, our body gets confused, and our circadian rhythm gets disrupted. This disruption can cause depressive and anxious symptoms.

A study conducted in 2018 showed that people who experience DST have a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and increased agitation which could lead to anxiety and depression.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure, heart attack, and stroke are all associated with DST. Experts suggest that the change in sleep pattern can have a significant impact on the body’s heart rate and blood pressure.

Moreover, DST can also lead to the production of the stress hormone cortisol which can negatively affect the heart’s health. A study conducted in 2012 found that there was a 10% increase in heart attacks on the Monday following DST in the spring, and a decrease of the same amount (10%) when the clock shifted back in the fall.

Accidents and Injuries

Due to the sudden change in our sleep cycle, our bodies need to adjust to the changes, and this can lead to daytime drowsiness and increased fatigue. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries.

Studies have shown that there is a 25% increase in accidents on the Monday following DST, and this can be attributed to the sudden change in sleep patterns.

Decreased Productivity

The change in sleep pattern can lead to decreased concentration, fatigue, and drowsiness. These factors can all negatively affect productivity levels.

Additionally, people who experience DST find it difficult to adjust to the sudden change in routines and may experience a decrease in motivation and enthusiasm.

Weight Gain

A study published in 2013 showed a link between DST and weight gain. The study found that people who experienced DST were more likely to gain weight than those who did not.

During DST, people experience longer daylight, which can affect hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin, leading to an increase in weight.

Stress and Anxiety

DST can affect people’s moods, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety. These feelings are related to the change in routines that DST brings.

The change can impact productivity, social life and daily activities, and the stress that comes with these changes can be overwhelming.

Hypertension

The one-hour shift that occurs in DST can affect the body’s natural rhythm, leading to an increase in blood pressure and hypertension.

A study published in 2016 found that the incidence of hypertension increased immediately after DST and persisted for two months post-DST.

Diabetes

There is a link between DST and diabetes. Studies have shown that the disruption in the sleep pattern that DST brings can cause insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A meta-analysis published in 2018 that included various studies concluded that there was an association between DST and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease that is linked to disrupted sleep patterns. Studies have shown that people who experience DST are more likely to develop cancer than those who do not.

A study published in 2019 showed that breast cancer patients who experienced DST had a higher endocrine disruption level than those who did not.

Conclusion

The human body is sensitive to changes in its environment.

DST can negatively affect our health, leading to sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, accidents, decreased productivity, weight gain, stress and anxiety, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. These risks warrant a discussion about whether or not DST is necessary. If we continue to implement DST, it is essential to take the appropriate measures to mitigate the risks associated with this change.