Expert: Time change this weekend could impact overall health, well-being

Clocks spring forward on Sunday for Daylight Saving Time, and while many people love the change, it can affect our overall health.

An expert at Virginia Tech believes that Standard Time better aligns with human circadian rhythms.

“Research shows that Daylight Saving Time messes with our biological clocks by reducing morning sunlight exposure, which pushes our sleep schedules later and can have negative effects on health,” said Carla Finkielstein, a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and an expert in circadian biology. “Staying on Standard Time year-round is much better for our circadian rhythms, overall health and well-being.”

The Society for Research in Biological Rhythms agrees with Finkielstein and warns that DST can increase the risk for heart disease, obesity, depression and workplace accidents.

In addition to physical health, AAA said the time change can impact sleep patterns. As a result, drivers and pedestrians may be at greater risk of the dangers associated with drowsy driving.

Drowsiness can impair drivers through reduced alertness, impaired judgment and hazardous microsleeps.

“The morning commute for several weeks to come, will be much darker than what drivers have been used to in the last few weeks,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson for Virginia. “It’s important for drivers to be alert and remember that children will be on their way to school and may be hard to see.”

Details of DST

• Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday as clocks spring forward and residents of the U.S. lose one hour of sleep.
• DST ends on the first Sunday in November when clocks fall back one hour.
• The practice of DST and ST began in 1918 in an effort to conserve energy.