Daylight saving can have a major impact on your health.
Get Ready for the Time Change: Daylight Saving Time Ends
Brunch dates and flag football games might be a little easier to get to this Sunday, when phones grace early-risers with an extra hour of rest before alarm clocks go off.
The downside: Next week across most of the U.S., the sun will set well before many folks step foot out of the office, leaving them to run errands or take walks in utter darkness. Come Nov. 5, daylight saving time is out and standard time is in, and will last until March 10.
No need to wait till the midnight hour to prepare for the time change that clocks in early Sunday, when 2 a.m. becomes 1 a.m. Before bed beckons Saturday night, rewind the clock on the microwave, oven, car, or any other device not yet clever enough to make the leap on its own.
Effects on Health and Safety
Besides scheduling stumbles and sleep habit disruptions, experts say the twice-yearly ritual can have more serious effects on human health.
Many Americans are already sleep-deprived, and a change in time messes with sleep schedules even more, says Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, although she says “falling back” and gaining an extra hour is generally easier on the body than “springing forward” and losing one.
Chronic sleep deprivation can increase levels of stress hormones that boost heart rate and blood pressure, and of chemicals that trigger inflammation, research suggests.
“Just that one hour can change the amount of sleep you get, the quality of sleep that you get,” Zee said. Off-kilter sleep can affect people’s ability to multitask, stay alert, and even maintain their balance, making them more prone to accidents.
Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA’s Auto Club Group, warned that there may be an uptick in accidents on the road following the time change.
“With daylight savings coming to an end, what people really need to be focused on is their driving now in the afternoon when it’s darker earlier,” and when they may be feeling drowsy, she said.
Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time.
Some members of Congress have pushed to end the back-and-forth and make daylight saving time permanent.
The U.S. Senate in March 2022 passed a bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act, but it stalled in the House. The bill was re-introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio in March of this year, then referred to committee, where it has remained idle.
How can you maximize the daylight hours and maintain a healthy work-life balance after the end of Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time ends. With a little bit of planning and adjusting, you can make the transition seamless and ensure a smoother start to your day.
First and foremost, remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night. This simple act will grant you an extra hour of sleep, which can make a significant difference in how you feel the next day. Take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that this time change also comes with a few drawbacks. As the daylight hours dwindle, the evenings become darker earlier. This change can be particularly frustrating for those who work a typical 9-to-5 job, as their leisure time will now be marked by darkness. To counteract this inconvenience, it is advisable to plan and adjust your activities accordingly.
One option is to make the most of the daylight hours during the weekends. Plan outdoor activities, enjoy nature, or spend time with friends and family while the sun is still shining. It can be refreshing to have a break from the monotony of daily routines and embrace the change in season.
Additionally, consider adjusting your daily schedule to accommodate the lack of daylight in the evenings. Use your lunch breaks or any free time during the day to run errands or engage in activities that would typically be reserved for after-work hours. By utilizing the daylight hours available, you can maximize your productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
It’s also worth mentioning that the end of Daylight Saving Time is an excellent opportunity to conduct other essential tasks that are often overlooked. Use this time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, test your home security system, or perform any necessary household maintenance. These small tasks can help ensure the safety and well-being of your home and loved ones.
Lastly, be mindful of the impact the time change can have on your body’s internal clock. Our internal clocks, also known as circadian rhythms, regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Sudden changes in the time can disrupt this rhythm and affect our overall well-being. It is vital to establish a consistent sleep schedule and prioritize a good sleep hygiene routine to combat any adverse effects.
In conclusion, as the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches, it is crucial to prepare for the time change and make necessary adjustments to your daily routine. By setting your clocks back, planning your activities strategically, and taking care of other important tasks, you can ensure a smoother transition into the darker months ahead. Remember to prioritize your sleep and maintain a healthy balance between work and leisure. With a proactive mindset and a little bit of planning, you can embrace the changing season and make the most of the extra hour gifted to you this Sunday.
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