Why Daylight Saving Time Is Worse Than We Thought, Shocking Study Reveals

Claims of improved safety and energy savings are not supported by research

Study: DST disrupts sleep, increases heart attacks, car crashes, and seasonal affective disorder

Daylight saving time (DST) was first implemented in the United States in 1918 as a way to conserve energy during World War I. The idea was that by moving the clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the fall, people would use less artificial light in the evenings.

However, a growing body of research suggests that DST actually has a number of negative consequences for human health and well-being, including:

• Sleep disruption: DST can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep and wake up on time. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
• Increased risk of heart attacks: Studies have shown that the risk of heart attacks increases in the days following the switch to DST. This is thought to be due to the disruption of the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Increased risk of car crashes: DST has also been linked to an increased risk of car crashes. This is thought to be due to the fact that people are more likely to be tired and disoriented during the days following the switch to DST.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): DST can worsen symptoms of SAD, a type of depression that is triggered by the change in seasons. This is thought to be due to the fact that DST disrupts the body's natural production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep.

In light of these findings, some experts are calling for the abolition of DST. In 2019, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that would make DST permanent, but the bill has not yet been passed by the House of Representatives.

Until DST is abolished, there are a few things you can do to minimize its negative effects on your health:

• Get plenty of sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, even during the days following the switch to DST.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed: These substances can interfere with sleep.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool: These conditions are ideal for sleep.

If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD, talk to your doctor. There are a number of treatments that can help, including light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy.