RNS: Daylight Savings Tips, March 2009
TIME: 2:16
URL: http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=1055
U-M Health Minute: Today’s top health issues and medical research
UM experts offer tips to make it easier to ‘spring forward’
Suggested lead: It may only be one hour of lost time, but the ‘spring forward’ of our clocks for daylight saving time can really pack a punch for some people. A U-M Sleep Specialist discusses the impact of the time change and offers tips to help adults and children adjust to the lost hour on March 8. Here is Andi McDonnell with more.
It may only be a single hour of lost time, but “springing forward” for Daylight Saving Time can pack a punch for some people. Many experience sleepiness, mood changes and sleep disturbances as they attempt to adjust to the time change.
University of Michigan sleep specialist Dr. J. Todd Arnedt, (Ph.D.), Assistant Professor and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program tells us . . .
“The time change that we’re about to embark on can affect people in a variety of ways. For some individuals there are minimal effects and they’re only transient. For others, they are much more long lasting and significant. The most obvious consequence of the change to daylight saving time is that we lose an hour of sleep and if our bodies are used to getting a certain number of hours of sleep, losing an hour can have significant consequences for us the next day.”
Studies have shown people often have more difficulty performing at work and are at greater risk for accidents while driving. And new research has also linked a higher rate of heart attacks to Daylight Saving Time, which may be related to the associated sleep deprivation.
Children naturally need more sleep than adults and may actually be more sensitive to the effects of sleep deprivation. The effects of sleep loss can have significant impact on children’s ability to function at school, and can also impact family-functioning at home. Arnedt suggests adopting a new schedule and routine after the time change can help children to adjust.
“There are a variety of things that people can do to minimize the effects of the lost hour of sleep. For example, one thing that people can do is obtain more sleep in the days proceeding the time change and immediately following the time change so that they function better during the daytime. One can also consider taking a nap during the day proceeding the time change, but it’s important to note that the nap should be relatively brief and not too close to usual bedtime in order for it not to impact nighttime sleep. And finally, another thing people can do is they can gradually adjust their sleep schedules and wake schedules in anticipation of the time change.”
Beyond Daylight Saving Time, obtaining enough hours of sleep on a regular basis is essential to good health and overall functioning, Arnedt notes.
“Finally, it’s important to have a wind-down routine for the last 45 minutes to an hour before bed. Some good things people can engage in would be quiet activities, having a light snack and ensuring that the lights are dim during this period. This can help signal the body that sleep is about to come.”
Andi McDonnell, U-M Health System News
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