VERIFY: Is Daylight Saving Time bad for your health?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Daylight Saving Time is almost here and you might be feeling a little tired on your way to work or school Monday. 

Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday, when we move our clocks forward one hour. That lost hour of sleep has a big impact on many folks but is it bad for your body? 

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Do you really get less sleep as we spring forward?

Yes, most people do get less sleep when you set your clocks forward. 

According to the Sleep Foundation, humans and mammals are guided by circadian rhythms. It’s like a clock inside our bodies that’s coordinated to the daylight schedule. In order to reset each day, it must be synchronized with natural light to darkness cycles in order to ensure some good sleep. 

“The minute that you change what amount of sunlight you’re getting the circadian rhythm gets interrupted,” Kohli said.

Kohli says when your circadian rhythm is interrupted, like when there’s more sunlight at night, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get less sleep. 

“The sleep hormones that are being released, or supposed to be released when it’s dark, don’t come out at the right time, and then the wakeful hormones, the ones that give us energy in the morning those don’t come out at the right times,” said Kohli. 

Behrens said this then creates grogginess and mood swings.

“Many people find it takes longer than that a few days to a week to get their sleep habits back,” Behrens said. 

A study published by the American Psychological Association found the Monday directly following Daylight Saving Time, workers sleep an average of 40 minutes less than on other days.

Are there more car crashes the Monday after we spring forward? 

Yes, there are more car crashes the Monday after we spring forward. 

“It can create more traffic accidents,” Kohli said. “Part of that can be because you are sleepy and you need more sleep.”

Both Kohli and Behrens agree that lack of sleep can cause more crashes. 

“We have found that there are more car accidents the Monday following the time change, so you definitely want to be careful and alert when you are driving,” Behrens said. 

A study from Current Biology looked at the week of Daylight Saving from 1996 to 2017 and found on average, more fatal accidents occur than other weeks during the year. 

The study found at the start of Daylight Saving Time, fatal traffic accidents increased by 6% in the U.S.

Kohli said to try to minimize your coffee intake after 2 p.m. and minimize your alcohol intake before bed. She also says make sure your room is nice and dark and cool to get the best rest.

AAA is sharing reminders on how to stay safe on the roads during the time change.

Common symptoms of drowsy driving include:

• Trouble keeping eyes open
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane
• Cannot recall last few miles drive
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Daydreaming or wandering thoughts

AAA offers more detail into ways you can be aware while driving on their website.

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