Clocks Fall Back This Weekend: Daylight Saving Time Ends, Experts Warn of Sleep Disruptions and Increased Accident Risks
This Sunday, clocks will fall back as daylight saving time comes to an end, giving people an extra hour of sleep. While this might be good news for those who enjoy a little extra rest, experts are warning of potential sleep disruptions and increased accident risks as the days become shorter and darkness sets in earlier.
As we prepare to turn back the clocks, it’s important to adjust our routines to account for the time change. Before heading to bed on Saturday night, remember to reset the time on your clocks, including those on your microwave, oven, and car. While many devices now automatically adjust for daylight saving time, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
While gaining an extra hour of sleep might seem like a positive change, experts caution that the time change can have serious effects on our health, especially for those who are already sleep-deprived. Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine, explains that the disruption in sleep schedules can increase stress hormones, heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation levels. Even just an hour of lost or gained sleep can affect the quality of our sleep, multitasking abilities, alertness, and balance, making us more prone to accidents.
In fact, AAA’s Auto Club Group spokesperson, Molly Hart, warns of a potential uptick in accidents on the roads following the time change. With daylight fading earlier in the afternoon, drivers need to be especially focused and aware of their surroundings. The combination of darker conditions and potential drowsiness can increase the risk of accidents.
While most of the U.S. observes daylight saving time, there are a few exceptions. Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of Arizona do not participate in the time change.
The debate over daylight saving time continues, with some members of Congress advocating for permanent adoption or elimination of the practice. In March 2022, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill called the Sunshine Protection Act, but it has yet to progress in the House. The bill was reintroduced by Sen. Marco Rubio in March of this year but remains idle in committee.
As we prepare to turn back the clocks and bid farewell to daylight saving time, it’s important to adjust our routines accordingly and remain mindful of the potential health and safety risks associated with the time change. By prioritizing our sleep and taking extra precautions on the road, we can ensure a smoother transition into standard time.
