Losing an hour of sleep isn’t enjoyable, but many argue that daylight saving time is not the source of fatigue or lethargy. Pointing fingers at the clock adjustment is straightforward, yet your health habits hold more significance year-round.
Emily Woll, director of operations at Fullcast, advises, ‘Support your body’s transition with consistent hydration, balanced meals and prioritized sleep.’ Regardless of whether sunset occurs at 5 or 9 p.m., there remains ample opportunity for nutritious eating, active living, limiting screen time, and ensuring restorative sleep.
While people often attribute various health issues to the temporary loss of an hour, from relationship troubles to hair loss, scientific evidence is lacking in these claims. Nevertheless, additional sunlight hours offer tangible health benefits. The extended daylight can boost mood through increased vitamin D, inspiring healthier dietary and lifestyle choices.
Increased Physical Activity
Longer daylight hours in the evening encourage individuals to engage in exercise or outdoor activities after work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the average adult in America spends only half an hour daily on exercise, playing sports, or enjoying outdoor recreation, with nearly half of Americans falling short of meeting fitness guidelines.
According to the CDC, 46.9% of adults meet the health guidelines for aerobic activity, while many do not engage in muscle-strengthening exercises. Millions are therefore forfeiting vital health benefits and enduring the dangers of prolonged sitting, which correlates with poor circulation, weight gain, and chronic disease risks.
Better Mental Health
On average, individuals spend about 2.5 hours daily on social media, often resulting in more ‘likes’ on posts featuring athletic shoes than actual use. Unfortunately, excessive scrolling can elevate stress, disrupt sleep, and detract from overall well-being. More sunlight exposure can help regulate serotonin levels, mitigating risks associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and enhancing mood.
Improved Sleep Patterns (for some)
Although daylight saving time is often blamed for sleep disturbances, longer daylight can effectively regulate natural wakefulness and sleep cycles. A global sleep study indicates that over half of respondents (62%) reported only ‘somewhat well’ or ‘not at all well’ sleep. Factors such as stress, poor diet, and health issues contribute to inadequate sleep. A structured sleep routine is essential to counteract the effects of daylight saving time.
The clock isn’t the adversary – your daily habits are. Shifting the clock won’t resolve your issues if you continue to neglect fitness, overindulge in caffeine, and disregard balanced meals. It’s crucial to take charge of your health, establish well-rounded habits, and stop allowing trivial time changes to overshadow your well-being.
J’Nel Wright is a content writer at Fullcast, a Silicon Slopes-based platform for managing revenue-generating teams.
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