Beware Daylight Savings Time!

This Sunday our cell phones will magically leap ahead by one hour. Sure, we’ll get more daylight at the end of the day, which is great, but at what cost?

I’m not here to debate the merits of Standard Time vs Daylight Savings Time. I am here to say: JUST PICK ONE! Either one, as far as I am concerned.

In March of 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make Daylight Savings Time permanent, was passed by the Senate; the bill is currently stalled in the House. So at some point, we may be done with this hazardous bi-annual ritual.

But in the meantime, beware! Numerous studies have shown that in the days immediately after the time change, there are more fatal car accidents, more heart attacks, strokes, and more workplace injuries. Some studies point to the detrimental effects on mental health.

The switch to daylight savings is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a health hazard.

Please don’t downplay the time change. “It’s just an hour, what’s the big deal?!” To your highly tuned body, which is very sensitive to the arcs of light and dark each day, it is a big deal,

Here are a few tips for navigating this transition safely:

• In the days leading up to the change to DST, start going to bed earlier, so that the first day on the new time is less shocking to your system.
• Pay extra attention to your “sleep hygiene” the week before and after the change: stop looking at screens a couple of hours before bed, and limit intake of alcohol and caffeine, both of which can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Immediately after the change to DST be aware that you and everyone else on the road are likely somewhat underslept; be extra cautious while driving, and while being physically active.

Little is big,
Kirstin Lindquist
Owner, Licensed Acupuncturist