On the night from Saturday, October 28, to Sunday, October 29, at 4:00 AM, we will set our clocks back one hour. This means we will transition back to standard time.
The debate over the necessity of this change has been ongoing for decades. Meanwhile, researchers traditionally warn that such a shift can negatively impact our circadian rhythms and overall health.
The Biological Clock and Stroke
Professor Russell Foster from the University of Oxford, a leading global expert on circadian rhythms, asserts that the first thing to suffer from the switch to standard time will be our sleep patterns. But that’s not all.
The fact is, our biological clock regulates the rhythms of our lives. It influences how clearly we think, whether our digestive system is ready to process food, when our muscles are at their strongest, and more. Circadian rhythms are also crucial for metabolism, body temperature, and hormone levels.
During the day, sunlight prompts the brain to send wakefulness signals that keep us alert and active. At night, this system, which can be compared to the intricate mechanism inside an antique clock, triggers the production of melatonin—a hormone that promotes sleep.
Changing the clock disrupts these processes. According to Professor Foster, sleep disturbances combined with disrupted circadian rhythms can trigger a stroke.
There is also the risk of elevated blood pressure, which can lead to clot formation and blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the brain. As a result, brain cells begin to die, leading to the characteristic signs of a stroke, such as slurred speech and weakness on one side of the body.
As Professor Foster noted, for healthy individuals, changing the clock is not particularly threatening. However, for those in high-risk groups, the transition to standard time can place additional strain on the body.
A British study from 2016 found that in the two days following the clock change, hospitalizations for strokes increased by 8 percent, with the greatest risk affecting those aged 65 and older.
Heart Attacks
Dr. John O’Neill from the University of Cambridge is another leading expert on circadian rhythms. He claims that the stress caused by changing the clock can increase the risk of heart attacks.
However, Dr. O’Neill insists that the transition to standard or daylight saving time only has a minor impact on health, similar to crossing time zones. He noted, “If circadian rhythms are systematically disrupted, for example, by shift work, then it is indeed harmful to health.”
Meanwhile, research from the University of Colorado (USA) regarding the clock change has shown a significant correlation with an increase in heart attacks. During the switch to daylight saving time, researchers recorded a 24 percent increase in heart attacks. The percentage was slightly lower during the transition to standard time, according to the Daily Mail.
Depression
Changing the clock and disrupting sleep patterns can affect not only physical but also mental health.
A 2018 study by a team from the University of Glasgow, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, found that disruptions to the biological clock are linked to depression and bipolar disorder.
Additionally, a 2020 study by Italian researchers (published in the Journal of Sleep Research) confirmed that lack of sleep is one of the key reasons for poor mood.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Some experts believe that changing the clock forward or back exacerbates the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Foster listed these symptoms in his book “Life Time.” They include confusion, anxiety, aggression, and a desire to run or wander. Such symptoms tend to occur in the evening or early night and worsen during the clock change.
Accidents
According to a study by Swiss scientists, the extra hour in bed after the transition to standard time is associated with an increase in car accidents. Drivers have to adapt to longer dark evenings.
The team analyzed thousands of traffic accident cases from 2018 to 2020 and found that before the fall clock change, a quarter of car accidents occurred between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. However, after the switch to standard time, that proportion rose to a third of all accidents during that time frame.
How to Ease the Transition to Standard Time
Experts recommend going to bed at least half an hour earlier for three days leading up to the clock change. Healthy eating and limiting alcohol consumption are also important. Regular walks or outdoor exercise can help ease the transition to standard time. Additionally, it’s essential to strive for self-harmony and avoid stress. Researchers believe that monitoring one’s health is crucial during these days, especially for those with heart conditions and hypertension.