Is Daylight Saving Time Damaging Your Health?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 28, 2024

You’ve no doubt seen all the troubling headlines about daylight-saving time.

After all, they hit like, well, clockwork twice a year—first in March and again around this time of year, when daylight saving time ends.

They warn about heart attacks spiking, car accidents soaring, and how your precious sleep gets thrown into chaos.

But what if I told you the REAL story about how the clock changes affect our health isn’t quite what you’ve been led to believe?

A groundbreaking new analysis from Flinders University is shedding fresh light on this twice-yearly ritual—and the findings might surprise you.

Here’s what we’ve always known about the dreaded time change: In those first few days, most folks lose about 40 minutes of sleep. And yes, this temporary sleep disruption CAN lead to some serious consequences.

Your risk of heart attacks does indeed tick up. Your chances of getting into a fender bender increase. And you might feel like you’re dragging yourself through molasses for a few days.

But here’s where it gets interesting…

This comprehensive new analysis (currently under review) found something unexpected: There’s NO significant evidence that daylight saving time causes long-lasting effects on your sleep quality or daytime functioning.

In other words, while those first few days might be rough, your body is remarkably good at bouncing back.

Think of it like jet lag. Is it temporarily annoying? Absolutely. Life-altering? Not so much.

But why do we feel so out of sync in the first place?

It all comes down to your body’s internal clock—your circadian rhythm. This invisible timekeeper is naturally synced to the cycle of day and night. When we suddenly shift our schedules, even by just an hour, it’s like giving your internal clock a little shake.

The good news? You’re not doomed to toss and turn forever.

Here are some natural ways to help your body adjust smoothly to the time changes:

• Get morning sunshine: Right after waking up, step outside into the sun for 10 to 15 minutes to help reset your body clock.
• Stick to a schedule: Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent, even on weekends.
• Create a wind-down routine: Dim the lights and unplug from screens an hour before bed.
• Watch the caffeine: Cut off coffee and other stimulants by early afternoon.
• Move your body: Regular exercise helps regulate sleep patterns (just not too close to bedtime).
• Consider natural sleep aids: Magnesium, chamomile tea, or melatonin might help ease the transition.

Remember, while daylight saving time beginning and ending might throw you off temporarily, your body is incredibly adaptable. Focus on good sleep habits, and you’ll be back to your regular rhythm before you know it.

P.S. Ditch the “8 Straight” sleep myth.

Source:

Daylight saving: a small change or a big impact?, Press Release: Flinders University, Posted on October 1, 2024, news. flinders. edu. au

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND