Daylight Saving Time is right around the corner, which means clocks spring forward for an hour. Though it's not a major difference, losing an hour of sleep can cause many health issues for men, women, and children across the United States.
Daylight Saving Time Is Bad For Your Health
In a recent study, a group of researchers from the University of Colorado in Denver discovered at least 25 percent more adults suffered from heart attacks during the same week as daylight saving time.
Who's at risk? Adults over 65 and cancer patients are at an increased risk of heart attacks or heart strokes after daylight saving time.
Clinical psychologists believe this is because people have a hard time learning how to cope with the time difference.
From being deprived of sleep, people can also suffer from insomnia, which leads to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even irritability, according to MayoClinic.
How To Cope With Daylight Saving Time
"The conversion to DST, with its forced loss of one hour of sleep and a change in sleep schedule, can sometimes result in complaints of disrupted daytime functioning," said Dr. Ron Kramer, the Medical Director of the Colorado Sleep Disorders Center.
"This problem, surprisingly, can last as long as one to two weeks in some people, especially in the 'night-owl' type of person," said Dr. Kramer.
So what's the best way to cope with daylight saving time?
Don't Make Big Life Decisions
Experts suggest not to make any important life decisions while feeling deprived of sleep. It's also recommended to turn off computers, smartphones, and TVs, as the light can disrupt the quality of sleep.
Be Active
Whether it's going for a walk, run, or bike ride, doing physical activity during the day will help you in going to sleep early at night. Just make sure to end workouts early so there's plenty of time to relax before going to bed.
Avoid Driving
People who feel drowsy or are sleep deprived should avoid driving as much as possible in the week of daylight saving time.
"Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence," said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Warren Stanley. "Drowsiness impairs judgment, performance, and reaction time just like alcohol and drugs. Getting enough rest everyday will be your best defense in reducing your chances of being involved in a collision," said Stanley.
