Sunday clock changes can cause problems with the ticker.

Whether you’re tired and complaining about winter and looking forward to spring, or you’re sleep-deprived and frustrated at the thought of losing an hour of sleep in the middle of the weekend, daylight saving time poses a huge health risk. Experts warn that this is possible.

Warmer weather, sunny skies, and flowers in full bloom are all happy byproducts of the Great Transition, but the annual spring-forward event (this year observed at 2 a.m. on March 10), in which clocks move forward by one hour, is said to be coming. It takes a very real toll on the human heart.

In fact, the American Heart Association noted a “significant increase” in heart attacks on Mondays following the change. Other studies have also documented an increase in strokes two days after the annual festival.

“We don’t know exactly why heart attacks and strokes increase during the change to daylight saving time. It probably has something to do with disrupting our body clock, or circadian rhythm,” says Maria, a hypertension expert at the University of Miami.・Delgado Lelièvre explained in a statement to the AHA.

“[But] It’s important to be aware of this increased risk, especially if you already have heart disease or other risk factors. ”

Experts also pointed to a link between daylight saving time and road damage caused by sleep deprivation, identifying that time fiddling increases the risk of fatal road accidents by 6%.

“Spring DST moves clocks one hour later, resulting in darker mornings and brighter evenings, changing lighting conditions to coincide with peak traffic densities,” the authors of the January 2020 report wrote. I am writing. “Accidents are most likely to occur in the morning (between 6am and 8am), which is because drivers are more sleepy in the first half of the day than in the second half of the day, any week of the year. It is also thought to be caused by

“This phenomenon appears to be sharply exacerbated by the DST transition.”

AHA says sleep deprivation caused by time changes can accelerate hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, increase problems caused by obesity and high blood pressure, and cause arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation) in women. he added.

Daylight saving time has also brought hell on children, leaving most sleepy toddlers and their mothers running through the smoke.

But Delgado Lelièvre says you can avoid confusion by adopting healthy habits ahead of schedule.

“Small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference to your sleep quality and overall health,” she advised. “Instead of turning on the TV to help you fall asleep, try reading a book or writing about your day in a journal. Placing your phone in another room can reduce the temptation to scroll in bed. It can also be prevented.”

“By implementing these small habits now, you’ll be more likely to prepare for the upcoming daylight saving time change, keep your sleep patterns strong, and stay consistent year-round.”

Here are AHA’s tips for avoiding DST drama:

don’t snooze

If you sleep past your alarm, you may feel unwell in the morning. Place your alarm clock on the opposite side of the room and physically have to get out of bed to turn it off.

Prioritize exposure to natural light

Maximize your exposure to natural light during the day to adjust your body clock and prepare for a restful night. Go for a walk when you wake up in the morning to soak up some natural light and encourage physical activity.

eat a healthy and balanced diet

Balance your calories throughout the day by enjoying a heart-healthy diet filled with fiber-rich vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Eating more calories late at night may make it harder to sleep.

be careful what you drink

Drinking too many sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks can cause more confusion during the night.

Limit afternoon naps

Avoid long naps during the day, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns and make it harder to get a restful night’s sleep. Instead, focus on maintaining consistent sleep patterns to support good sleep quality overall.

Limit technology use at night

The blue light from most electronic devices can interfere with circadian rhythms and melatonin production. Create a productive sleep environment by keeping electronic devices out of your bedroom. Aim to step away from screens at least an hour before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure and improve sleep quality.

Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine

Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading a book, writing in a journal, taking a warm bath, or doing relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation. Doing relaxing activities will help you get a restful night’s sleep.