Daylight Saving Time and Your Health

As most of the U.S. prepares to change its clocks for a much-warranted additional one hour of sleep this weekend, the change may not appear as beneficial to some as one might think. Sleeping one more hour may just be a problem most of us may not plan and simply haven't figured can cause as of an impact on our health as it does.

At 2 a.m. on November 6, 2011, time falls back one hour. According to FoxNews.com, Dr. John Sharp, a psychiatrist with Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, stated seasonal changes traditionally have and can affect an individuals outlook and mood.

However, according to Dr. Sharp, the fallback adjustment causes internal destruction the nation never considered and does not calculate into the change. He states, "It's not just an extra hour of sleep, its more of a fast-forward into winter."

Sharp went on to say, "it can cause a sort of 'circadian misalignment' that can take two to three weeks to fully adjust to." He goes on to state even though the adjustment is only one hour, it causes somewhat of a simulated jet lag where people do not feel their best.

Adjusting the clock from one season to the next can replicate the pendulum of a clock literally creating havoc affecting one's mood, health and sleep. A recent study discovered a link between the occurrences of heart attacks and suicides when adjusting the clock and ending daylight saving time. You can read an abstract from the report here.

In discovery, the alternate study was created to recommend systems to offset dangerous health issues associated with the physical impact on the body. Minor changes in "Chronobiolgical rhythms" that affect vulnerable individuals such as the ones indicated were recommended:

• Brisk walks.

• Low doses of melatonin supplements can boost melatonin levels to help regulate sleep and waking.

• Eating earlier in an attempt to trick the body into thinking its eating dinner earlier helping early onset of sleep.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol until your body adjust to the change in time.

Note: Precautions must be taken by individuals wearing medical devices however. Individuals wearing any type of medical device must consult with their physician before attempting to regulate, change or adjust their time.

Sources;
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/11/03/can-daylight-savings-time-affect-your-health/
http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/daylight-saving-health.html