Fall Back on November 5th, 2023.
There’s a reason why many states have considered legislation to remove Daylight Savings Time and enact permanent standard time. Actually, there are quite a few reasons. Studies have examined that springing forward and falling back have impacts on mental health, biological sleep rhythms, economic activity, and even school performance.
In March 2022 the Sunshine Protection Act was passed through the Senate in an attempt to permanently remove Daylight Savings time. Although bills have been introduced, none have been fully approved causing it to lose momentum. While there is still hope for some change let’s pay attention to its effects and what we can do to maintain good health.
Here are some ways in which Daylight Savings (DST) can affect our bodies and tips to help mitigate these changes:
CAN DST AFFECT MY CYCLE?
The menstrual cycle is primarily regulated by hormonal changes, specifically the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone levels during the month. Changes in the amount of daylight, such as those associated with DST, are generally not a direct cause of menstrual cycle changes. That said, disruptions to your sleep patterns or circadian rhythms can have an impact on your overall well-being and stress levels. Stress, in turn, can affect your menstrual cycle.
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If you notice that a shift in sleep pattern causes you to stress, try creating an intentionally relaxing bedtime routine to soothe you with this time change. It’s helpful to consult with your medical practitioner to provide a detailed regimen.
SLEEP CHANGE
When the clocks spring forward in the spring and fall back in the fall, you lose and gain one hour of sleep. It can often take a few days or even weeks for your body to fully adjust to the new schedule, which can result in fatigue, grogginess, and difficulty concentrating.
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A week before Daylight Savings Time change, gradually change the time you go to bed at night or wake in the morning to offset the oncoming change.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISRUPTION
Your body’s internal biological clock, known as the circadian rhythm, regulates sleep-wake cycles, among other things. When the clock is set back, it can take a few days for your body to adjust to the new time, leading to feelings of grogginess and disruption in your sleep patterns.
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Spend time outdoors in natural daylight, especially in the morning. This Exposure to natural light can help reset your circadian rhythm.
MOOD CHANGES
The shift in daylight can impact your mood and productivity, as reduced exposure to natural light may lead to feelings of lethargy or even mild symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in some individuals.
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Many doctors recommend increasing Vitamin D intake during the time of the year when sunlight and outdoor activity are limited. It can also be helpful to limit the consumption of stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening, as they can disrupt your sleep.
Be sure to always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet.
Most of all, be patient with your body as it may take time to fully adjust during the transition period.