Sleep tips to help you 'spring forward' for Daylight Saving Time
Mar 10, 2023Everyone will "spring forward" and set their clocks ahead one hour Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.
Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester is recommending people adjust their sleep schedules now by shifting bedtimes 15 to 30 minutes earlier every night. They also advise to avoid napping.
Dr. Anthony Izzo said while we enjoy a brighter evening with Daylight Saving Time, the change can disrupt our biological clocks and even our work productivity. He said taking steps ahead of time to get better sleep could prevent negative outcomes.
"What we find is that the day after the spring clock change is the highest number of traffic accidents in the whole United States over the course of the year," Izzo said. "We see other outcomes too, there's an increase of about 8% in strokes and there's, depending on what literature you read, anywhere between a 24% and 50% increase in heart attacks."
Izzo said it can take several days or even up to a week for your body to adjust to the change.