How Daylight Savings Time Could Affect Your Health

[Twin Tiers Living 558]

Quote

 

Fatal car crashes temporarily jump the first few days after the spring time change, according to a study of U.S. traffic fatalities. The risk was highest in the morning, and researchers attributed it to sleep deprivation.

Then there’s the cardiac connection. The American Heart Association points to studies that suggest an uptick in heart attacks on the Monday after daylight saving time begins, and in strokes for two days afterward.

Doctors already know that heart attacks, especially severe ones, are a bit more common on Mondays generally — and in the morning, when blood is more clot-prone.

Researchers don’t know why the time change would add to that Monday connection but it’s possible the abrupt circadian disruption exacerbates factors such as high blood pressure in people already at risk.

 

Read the rest here. 

Do you notice any issues with the time change?

[Beekeeper 91]

My biggest issue with time change is that the sun is back in my face as it rises on my way to Ithaca...It is no longer in my face on the way home..While I like having an excuse of the cause of my wrinkles, I don't really like the time change.  I think it exists so Little League games don't have to be called due to darkness.  Beyond that, not sure it serves any purpose.  As for keeping it.  We tried that and it didn't work.  Children had to wait in the dark for buses and they got hit by cars.

[Ann 510]

I’m in favor of leaving standard time the norm.  It follows the body’s natural circadian rythm.

[MsKreed 1,690]

1 hour ago, Beekeeper said:

I don't really like the time change.  I think it exists so Little League games don't have to be called due to darkness.  Beyond that, not sure it serves any purpose. 

The historical justification was/is to save electricity, particularly for large "commercial" facilities.

So, I guess technically rather than call off sports events, it was more that the alternative would be the need for lighting was a a power draw.  Also malls, shopping centers, etc would need an hour less at full powered lighting of parking lots and signage. 

Since so many places are now illuminated 24/7 (and less incandescent lighting), I agree it's less of an impact in "modern" times. 

 

1 hour ago, Beekeeper said:

As for keeping it.  We tried that and it didn't work.  Children had to wait in the dark for buses and they got hit by cars.

I can vouch for this issue. In 1974 I was six years old and had a 15 minute walk to school (in Covington, KY) that took me through a somewhat seedy neighborhood and my parents refused to let me and my sister leave the house until the sun was up. 

However, I wonder if even this issue may have evolved over the years. 

Spending my adult life in this area.....I honestly have no clue whether bussing kids (or parent drop-off) straight from their doorstep to school has become the standard nationwide, or if that's just a NYS trend.

It seems pretty universal that fears of safety have increased and children simply aren't given nearly as much "independence" as earlier generations did. 

And I'm also not familiar with how many schools around the country have modified their start/end times over the past 50 years. 

Of course, determining whether the impact would be less now than it was in 1974 would take research beyond my anecdotal evidence, but it's quite possible that there is now a significantly smaller number of elementary kids walking or bicycling to school before 8:00 am. 

[Beekeeper 91]

They were waiting for a bus when they were hit.

[MsKreed 1,690]

Yes, some were hit at bus stops. And, in the last few decades, the idea of “bus stops” has become less prevalent.

At least in areas I’ve observed....morning commutes now include following a school bus as it stops at each and every home rather than past practice of children from a certain geographic radius (1/2 mile, etc) all gathering at a designated location.

I’m not suggesting you’re wrong that there still may be increased risks to kids. I’m just saying that I’m doubtful anyone knows for sure how shifting variables and factors may (or may not) change the outcomes today from 50 years ago.

 

And those variables will be different in different for different locations. My recollection is that most concerns were raised from incidents in Florida. That makes sense if FL kids were overall less accustomed to being out in the dark......But that’s not the case for kids in Minnesota or Maine.  

 

Even if we exclude Alaska from then mix....In early to mid-December, the sun sets before 4 pm in several Northern states. Those children on outlying bus routes in certain areas have always faced the issue of coming home in the dark.  

So, obviously, there is no scenario that will produce universally “perfect” results.  I'm not convinced that rejecting an idea entirely based on what didn't work half a century ago is the best approach.

Edited March 8 by MsKreed

[Beekeeper 91]

I am not a fan.  I'd prefer we just keep normal time all year, but I am pretty sure I'm in the  minority. In 2.5 years, I won't care at all.  I'll be retired and waking with the sun.

[Ann 510]

23 hours ago, Beekeeper said:

I am not a fan.  I'd prefer we just keep normal time all year, but I am pretty sure I'm in the  minority. In 2.5 years, I won't care at all.  I'll be retired and waking with the sun.

I’m with you staying in Standard Time.  I keep one clock at that time and that last hour of sunlight isn’t even a full hour.