Are you at risk? A doctor reveals the shocking health effects of daylight saving time
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Every year, as the clocks spring forward, many of us groan at the thought of losing an hour of sleep.
But could this seemingly small shift have a much bigger impact on our well-being?
Many people brush off the fatigue as a temporary nuisance, but doctors and researchers are finding that the effects of Daylight Saving Time (DST) go beyond just feeling groggy—it may actually be putting our health at risk.
Here at The GrayVine, we’re all about keeping our community informed on the issues that matter.
Today, we’re shedding light on the hidden dangers of DST, a practice that has sparked debate for years.
Dr. Zain Fadul, who has worked in both DST-observing and non-observing states, has seen firsthand the concerning health effects of this time change.
His observations align with a growing body of research suggesting that shifting the clocks twice a year may be doing more harm than good.
In states like Connecticut, Dr. Fadul has noticed a troubling trend—spikes in car accidents and heart attacks following the shift to DST.
Patients often report feeling unusually tired without realizing that the time change may be the culprit.
"I am much more tired than normal, I don’t know what happened," is a common refrain he hears, hinting at the disruption caused by the lost hour of sleep.
Meanwhile, states like Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe DST, do not experience these same spikes.
Studies have consistently found that hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes increase in the days following the time change.
This trend raises concerns about the true impact of Daylight Saving Time on public health.
The culprit behind these health risks? Our circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, and overall health.
When DST throws off this rhythm, our bodies struggle to adjust, leading to increased inflammation, stress hormones, and exhaustion.
Over time, this disruption can contribute to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even other serious conditions.
A 2014 study in Michigan found a 24% increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks on the Monday after DST begins.
A Finnish study in 2016 reported an 8% rise in stroke risk in the first two days after the time change.
And research from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 2020 suggested that DST could be responsible for a 6% increase in fatal car accidents each year.
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in the US during World War I to conserve fuel and was later standardized in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act.
But in today's world, many experts question its relevance. Dr. Fadul, along with other health professionals and even President Trump, has advocated for an end to DST, citing both its outdated purpose and the health risks it poses.
In 2022, the Senate passed an act to make DST permanent, but it failed to pass in the House.
Currently, 61 countries around the world observe DST, but the debate continues—is it time to reconsider this century-old practice?
Experts like Dr. Shelby Harris, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, argue that staying in Standard Time year-round would be far more beneficial for our health.
She points out that sleep loss caused by DST has been linked to an increase in car accidents and other health risks.
These dangers far outweigh any perceived benefits of the time change.
While the future of DST remains uncertain, it’s important to be aware of its potential health effects and take steps to minimize its impact.
Gradually adjusting your sleep schedule before the time change and practicing good sleep habits can help ease the transition.
Read next: Sad skies: Find out the tragedy that happened to an American Airlines attendant on a layover
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you ever felt the effects of DST? Do you have tips for adjusting to the time change? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s start the conversation!
But could this seemingly small shift have a much bigger impact on our well-being?
Many people brush off the fatigue as a temporary nuisance, but doctors and researchers are finding that the effects of Daylight Saving Time (DST) go beyond just feeling groggy—it may actually be putting our health at risk.
Here at The GrayVine, we’re all about keeping our community informed on the issues that matter.
Today, we’re shedding light on the hidden dangers of DST, a practice that has sparked debate for years.
Dr. Zain Fadul, who has worked in both DST-observing and non-observing states, has seen firsthand the concerning health effects of this time change.
His observations align with a growing body of research suggesting that shifting the clocks twice a year may be doing more harm than good.
The perils of losing an hour
In states like Connecticut, Dr. Fadul has noticed a troubling trend—spikes in car accidents and heart attacks following the shift to DST.
Patients often report feeling unusually tired without realizing that the time change may be the culprit.
"I am much more tired than normal, I don’t know what happened," is a common refrain he hears, hinting at the disruption caused by the lost hour of sleep.
Meanwhile, states like Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe DST, do not experience these same spikes.
Studies have consistently found that hospital admissions for heart attacks and strokes increase in the days following the time change.
This trend raises concerns about the true impact of Daylight Saving Time on public health.
Also read: Is your partner ruining your sleep? Try this simple trick to save your relationship AND your sleep!
The science behind the strain
The culprit behind these health risks? Our circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, and overall health.
When DST throws off this rhythm, our bodies struggle to adjust, leading to increased inflammation, stress hormones, and exhaustion.
Over time, this disruption can contribute to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even other serious conditions.
Daylight Saving Time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and health risks. Image Source: Pexels / Ivan Oboleninov.
A 2014 study in Michigan found a 24% increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks on the Monday after DST begins.
A Finnish study in 2016 reported an 8% rise in stroke risk in the first two days after the time change.
And research from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 2020 suggested that DST could be responsible for a 6% increase in fatal car accidents each year.
Also read: Sleep better instantly: The secret sleeping position experts swear by!
The historical context and current debate
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in the US during World War I to conserve fuel and was later standardized in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act.
But in today's world, many experts question its relevance. Dr. Fadul, along with other health professionals and even President Trump, has advocated for an end to DST, citing both its outdated purpose and the health risks it poses.
In 2022, the Senate passed an act to make DST permanent, but it failed to pass in the House.
Currently, 61 countries around the world observe DST, but the debate continues—is it time to reconsider this century-old practice?
Also read: Struggling to sleep through the night? Avoid these 5 foods and drinks at all costs
The case for standard time
Experts like Dr. Shelby Harris, a behavioral sleep medicine specialist, argue that staying in Standard Time year-round would be far more beneficial for our health.
She points out that sleep loss caused by DST has been linked to an increase in car accidents and other health risks.
These dangers far outweigh any perceived benefits of the time change.
While the future of DST remains uncertain, it’s important to be aware of its potential health effects and take steps to minimize its impact.
Gradually adjusting your sleep schedule before the time change and practicing good sleep habits can help ease the transition.
Read next: Sad skies: Find out the tragedy that happened to an American Airlines attendant on a layover
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you ever felt the effects of DST? Do you have tips for adjusting to the time change? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s start the conversation!
