Over the years, daylight saving time (DST) has gained notoriety in part due to the negative effect it has on sleep quality, car crashes, workplace injuries and even health. For example, hospitals have reported a jump in heart attacks and strokes following DST changes.

The most shocking discovery may be the link between DST and fatal car accidents. Research shows a nearly six percent spike in deadly car wrecks in the week following daylight saving time. The hazards and health risks tend to be worse when DST springs forward than when it springs backward.

Why Does Daylight Saving Time Cause Injuries and Car Crashes?

According to research, DST tends to have an effect like jetlag – especially in the first few days after the time transition. Since the sun rises and sets later in affected areas, it was observed that the western population has a greater risk of car crashes.

The time switch can also lead to disrupted sleep patterns. The lack of sleep and decreased quality causes reduced daytime alertness. When the sun rises later, it becomes more difficult to wake in the morning. This happens because our human bodies tend to use light to maintain the rhythm of our internal clocks.

If people don’t immediately adjust their daily routine, DST essentially results in workers and students getting one less hour of sleep, which means more drowsy drivers on the road in the morning.

Why Is It Dangerous to Drive When Drowsy?

Surprisingly, driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. A sleep-deprived driver has slower reflexes and more difficulty paying attention to the road. Fatigue can also cause:

• Impaired senses, including vision and hearing
• Impaired judgment
• Slower reaction time
• Micro-sleeping (nodding-off)

Because driving when tired can be so dangerous, the Florida legislature has declared a Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This takes place each year during the first week of September and aims to educate drivers about the importance of not driving when drowsy.

How Can You Avoid the Setbacks of DST?

The best way to handle the drowsiness that comes with the DST change is to adjust your sleeping habits in the days leading to the transition. It helps to maintain a regular sleep cycle by having a consistent bedtime. The goal should be to get at least seven to eight solid hours of sleep each night.

Another great idea is to minimize the amount of light you are exposed to. This includes lighting from TVs, laptops and especially cellphones. Lighting from electronics can stimulate the brain in ways that keep it from reaching a fully relaxed state. Consider shutting off all electronics at least an hour or two before your official bedtime goal. This will help the brain settle into “sleep mode,” which promotes a deeper, better-quality sleep session.

It is also recommended that you avoid caffeine before bedtime. As a stimulant, caffeine tends to keep the brainwaves active and can prevent your mind and body from reaching the deeper levels of the sleep cycle.

If you notice that you are still feeling groggy after the DST switch, you may want to set aside some time for daily naps. This can help the body adjust while allowing more rest and relaxation. Eventually, your body will adjust to the change.

Why Do We Need Daylight Saving Time?

DST was adopted in the United States in 1918. However, it was not very popular and was abolished right after World War 1. In 1942, Roosevelt re-established the routine and referred to it as “war time.” It was initiated to conserve energy. There are only two states that do not observe daylight saving time – Hawaii and Arizona.

The U.S. legislature is currently considering the Sunshine Protection Act. If passed and signed into law, it would be slated to go into effect in 2023. The law would eliminate the need to adjust clocks by making DST permanent. The hope is that the phenomenon of increased health problems and car accidents will subside as people will no longer “lose an hour” of sleep or time in the day.