Time Change is here!
March 6, 2024
Time change is here, let's make the most of that extra daylight.
The "spring forward" is when the state enters daylight saving time, and the "fall back" marks a return to standard time. Daylight saving time is when "daylight" begins an hour later in the morning and lasts an hour longer in the evening.
This allows the hour of daylight to stay coordinated with the time most people are active outside. Daylight saving time is supposed to save energy since during the warmer months people will be outside more and not home which saves energy.
Daylight saving time has been around since 1918. According to the Library of Congress it was established to save energy costs during World War I. When the war ended the law was repealed but then it was implemented again during World War II. It was instated to help conserve fuel and promote national security and defense, and as a result it was called "war time." Once World War II ended the law was repealed a second time allowing states to establish their own standard time.
Daylight saving time later became standard in the U.S. until the passage of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which mandated standard time across the country within established time zones.
Nearly every U.S. state observes daylight saving time, with the exceptions of Arizona and Hawaii. U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not observe daylight saving time either.
Many believe the changing of clocks can actually have dramatic health impacts. According to the National Institute of Health, the annual time change can cause Americans to experience physical health problems in the days following the change of time. Studies show an increase in events such as strokes, heart attacks, accidents and changes in mood. Other studies tie the start of daylight saving time with an increase in car accidents.
Sleep experts have long questioned the health effects of daylight saving time. The American Academy of Sleep has pushed for a switch to permanent standard time for several years.
Dr. James A. Rowley, president of the American Sleep Academy, said “Permanent standard time helps synchronize the body clock with the rising and setting of the sun. This natural synchrony is optimal for healthy sleep, and sleep is essential for health, mood, performance, and safety.”
To make the time change easier on your body the American Sleep Academy recommends the following tips for managing the time change:
- Get at least seven hours of sleep (for adults) or eight hours of sleep (for teens) per night before and after the time change.
- Gradually adjust your sleep and wake times. Shift your bedtime 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night for a few nights before the time change.
- Adjust other daily routines — such as mealtimes — to match your new schedule prior to the time change.
- Set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday evening, March 9, and go to bed at your normal bedtime.
- Head outside for some sunlight on Sunday morning. The bright light will help set your body clock, which regulates the timing of sleep and alertness.
- Get plenty of sleep on Sunday night to ensure you’re rested and ready for the week ahead.
For other sleep related questions or concerns schedule an appointment with a Witham Sleep Medicine provider today.