Daylight Saving Time Has Negative Mental, Physical Health Effects, Say Medical Professionals

The ongoing disruption to our bodies' rhythms leads to higher rates of heart attack and stroke.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – For many people, seeing that extra hour vanish into thin air is dispiriting – but it’s a bummer that is mostly forgotten as we try and adapt to the new normal.

But Erin Jirak, a sleep medicine specialist with Essentia Health based in Wahpeton, says that our bodies aren’t so quick to move on.

Shifting the clocks means we get less sunlight in the early mornings – when our bodies crave it – and more light in the evening hours – when our bodies are trying to power down.

“That causes the ongoing misalignment between our sleep/wake rhythm cycle and our light/dark cycles,” explained Jirak.

And that’s not just an annoyance. This disruption of our circadian rhythm leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke – and can make things more dangerous on the roads.

“There was a 6% increase in the week following the Spring Daylight Saving Time transition in motor vehicle accidents, likely related to slower cognitive processing and the slower reaction times,” said Jirak.

So – what can you do? Well, sorry to say, but chances are, you likely already missed your best opportunity to combat DST delirium.

“You want to shift your sleep gradually, going to bed 10-15 minutes earlier each night in the days leading up to the Daylight Saving Time change,” said Jirak.

But – there are steps we can all take to improve our overall sleep quality – which can lead to greater happiness and health in the long run – pesky clock movements notwithstanding.

The North Dakota State Legislature has introduced legislation to get rid of Daylight Saving Time, but it’s failed – largely because things would get very chaotic for people in border towns like Fargo or Wahpeton if the state of Minnesota did not follow suit.