This year, daylight saving time begins on March 10th at 2:00 am. While the extra sunlight is welcomed and makes us more active, the adjustment period could take time to fine-tune a new routine. Unfortunately, we lose an hour of sleep, which can be difficult. The time change might not sound serious, but experts warn that disrupting sleep patterns has a few risks. For example, heart attacks and traffic crashes increase the day after the time change.
You can do some things to avoid these things from happening so you can focus on the benefits of increased sunlight.
- Try to go to bed 15 minutes earlier for a few days, leading to the time change – this will give your body a chance to get used to the change gradually.
- Be alert on the road – sleep deprivation is expected after the time change, and it can lead to traffic crashes.
- Put the phone down – don’t drive, bike, or walk distracted.
- If you can work from home after the time change, you avoid being on the road altogether.
- Exercise with care – if you have chronic heart disease and have been inactive, take it easy; start with a slow 30-minute walk.
Daylight saving time is also a great reminder to tune up your bike for spring – check your tires, gears, nuts, and bolts, or take it to a shop for a tune-up.
Stay safe, and enjoy the extra sunlight!
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)31678-1?