Here’s your wake-up call: Daylight saving time may affect your heart health
As we prepare to “spring forward” on March 8th, the American Heart Association cites scientific research that indicates the springtime change may negatively impact your heart and brain health. While gaining extra daylight may be a nice change, the transition could come with some health challenges.
Losing an extra hour of sleep may not be the worst thing that could happen when you “spring forward” at the start of daylight-saving time. According to the American Heart Association’s researchers have noticed a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following this time change each year.
“We don’t really know exactly why there is an increase in heart attacks and strokes during the change to daylight saving time. It’s likely connected with the disruption to the body's internal clock, or its circadian rhythm,” said Maria Delgado-Lelievre, M.D., a distinguished Hypertension Specialist at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. “It’s important to be aware of this increased risk, especially if you already have heart disease or other risk factors.
The American Heart Association offers a few tips to get ahead of the time change:
- Do start now to get outside and get as much natural light as possible each day. This can help adjust your body rhythm for the change to come.
- Do begin winding down a little earlier in the evenings ahead. While you can never make up lost sleep, going into the time change well-rested can help.
- Don’t compensate with extra caffeine. It may feel like an extra coffee or two can help you through the midday slump, but too much caffeine is not good for your heart.
The Association’s recommended ideal level of sleep is:
- 7-9 hours daily for adults;
- 8-10 hours daily for ages 13-18 years;
- 9-12 hours daily for ages 6-12 years; and
- 10-16 hours daily for ages 5 and younger.
Making small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference in your sleep quality and overall health. Instead of turning on the TV to help you fall asleep, try reading a book or journaling about your day. Putting your phone in another room can also prevent the temptation to scroll in bed. Implementing these small habits now can help you prepare for the upcoming daylight-saving time change and ensure your sleep patterns are strong and more likely to remain consistent all year long.
Resource: https://www.heart.org/-/media/Healthy-Living-Files/Infographics/Sleep-Well--Infographic.pdf
Sources: heart.org and stroke.org