Sleep experts are weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding the abolition of Daylight Saving Time (DST), with many advocating for a permanent switch to standard time. According to reports, the disruption caused by DST significantly impacts sleep patterns and can harm the body’s internal clock. Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, explained that the body’s internal clock naturally aligns with the external light-dark cycle. When DST shifts the clocks, it creates a mismatch that can lead to various health issues.
He suggests that adopting standard time year-round would better align with the body’s natural rhythms, promoting healthier sleep patterns. Rebecca Robillard, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, noted that the springtime shift, which involves losing an hour of sleep, is particularly detrimental compared to the fall’s hour gain. She highlighted that many people already suffer from sleep deprivation, making this loss even more impactful.
Research indicates that the transition to DST has been linked to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and digestive problems. Some countries implement DST to capitalize on longer daylight hours during spring and summer. However, Robillard points out that due to work and family obligations, people often struggle to adjust their sleep schedules accordingly, exacerbating the negative effects.
To address this, some regions like Washington D.C. and Ontario have passed legislation to permanently adopt DST. However, experts propose a more gradual approach for citizens in the U.S. and Canada, suggesting a slight shift in wake and sleep times by 15 minutes daily. Robillard’s research also emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and a regular sleep-wake cycle to better adapt to time changes. She advises against exercising close to bedtime, as it can send conflicting signals to the biological clock, potentially disrupting sleep.