As you may know, the switch to Daylight Savings Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 9th, 2025. Clocks will spring forward an hour, meaning one less hour of sleep for many people worldwide. But did you know the sudden shift in the clock can have serious consequences? While losing an hour of sleep may seem minor, even an hour of sleep deprivation increases health and safety risks, including impaired alertness, increased accidents, and deadly heart problems.
How DST Disrupts Sleep
The body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm, regulates sleep-wake cycles based on natural light. When DST shifts the clock forward, the body struggles to adjust, often leading to sleep deprivation, also known as sleep debt. Sleep deprivation is most pronounced during spring when people suddenly lose an hour overnight. Losing an hour of sleep one night can cause trouble falling asleep, waking up earlier, and experiencing lighter, less restorative sleep throughout the following week. This snowball effect can result in difficulty waking up, grogginess, and reduced cognitive function. Sleep deprivation also increases cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to higher stress levels and impaired focus.
Increased Risk of Car Accidents
Sleep-deprived drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel. Studies show a sharp increase in car accidents following the springtime clock change. Research published in Current Biology determined that fatal car crashes increase around 6% the week after DST begins.1 With reduced alertness, drivers are more likely to make critical mistakes on the road.
Workplace and Public Safety Concerns
The impact of sleep loss extends beyond the road. An average of 3.6 more injuries has been found to occur on the Mondays following DST compared to other days.2 For high-risk industries like construction and healthcare, fatigue-related errors can cause injury, endangering workers and the public.
Cardiovascular Risks of DST
The sudden shift in sleep patterns also puts extra stress on the heart. Sleep loss and increased stress hormones contribute to a rise in cardiovascular events. A study of hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction has found a 24% increase in heart attack rates on the Monday after the DST change.3 The disruption in sleep and increased cortisol levels can strain the cardiovascular system, making individuals more vulnerable to heart issues.
Conclusion
Daylight Savings Time disrupts sleep in ways that can have serious consequences. The resulting sleep deprivation increases the risk of car accidents, workplace injuries, and cardiovascular problems. Understanding how sleep affects overall health and performance is crucial during DST transitions and daily life. If you often struggle with sleep disruptions or symptoms of poor-quality sleep, consider consulting a sleep specialist to help you better understand and improve your rest. Investing in sleep health can lead to safer roads, healthier hearts, and better overall well-being.
Resources
- Fritz J, VoPham T, Wright KP, Vetter C. A chronobiological evaluation of the acute effects of daylight saving time on traffic accident risk. Current Biology. 2020;30(4). doi:10.1016/j.cub.2019.12.045
- Barnes CM, Wagner DT. Changing to daylight saving time cuts into sleep and increases workplace injuries. Journal of Applied Psychology. 2009;94(5):1305-1317. doi:10.1037/a0015320
- Sandhu A, Seth M, Gurm HS. Daylight savings time and myocardial infarction. Open Heart. 2014;1(1). doi:10.1136/openhrt-2013-000019
The contents of this article has been provided by Advantage Therapy and Sleep Centers. Advantage is a regional leader in providing patient-centered healthcare through managing and operating Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities and Sleep Centers. Advantage manages Shore Medical Center's Sleep Center which provides a welcoming, home-like environment to generate positive outcomes and long-term treatment assistance. Shore's Sleep Center is located at 710 Centre Street in Somers Point. To learn more or schedule an appointment call 609.477.7036.
