Why docs should be relieved the clocks are 'falling back'
Key Takeaways
The shift to daylight saving time disrupts sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to increased risks of health issues such as heart problems, mood disorders, and accidents.
Transitioning back to standard time may improve patient health behaviors and outcomes. A consistent schedule can lead to higher appointment adherence, healthier lifestyle choices, and reduced stress-related conditions, making it easier for healthcare providers to manage their practices.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for eliminating seasonal time changes in favor of year-round standard time to better align with human biology and enhance public health.
Spring ahead and fall back. For most of the United States, changing the clocks is a semi-annual tradition. However, the decision to adopt daylight savings time year after year is a polarizing issue with rippling consequences. Some people love it, but most hate it.
Research clearly shows that the sudden switch to daylight savings time each spring has negative implications for our health and habits.[]
Fortunately, next month the clocks will "fall back," and daylight savings time will come to a close. Let's investigate how the time change can alleviate certain health risks and potentially make your job as a physician a bit easier.
Effect of daylight savings time on the body
During daylight savings time (March through November) the mornings are dark for longer, and the evenings are light later. This shift causes a short-term “sleep debt” and a lingering disruption to circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. As a result, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) opposes daylight savings time, as stated in their official position:
“It is the position of the AASM that the US should eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time. Current evidence best supports the adoption of year-round standard time, which aligns best with human circadian biology and provides distinct benefits for public health and safety.”[]
Many of the adverse health effects of daylight savings time can be linked to the stolen hour of sleep. The AASM cites increased inflammation, heart rate, and blood pressure, along with more cases of acute A-Fib, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Daylight savings can also be a bad time for people undergoing fertility treatments. Observational studies have found that daylight savings time is associated with lower success rates for embryo transfers.[]
Safety is also a factor when switching the clocks in the spring. According to the AASM, in the US, fatal car crashes increase by 6% during the first few days of daylight savings time. Suicides, mood disorders, and emergency room visits also spike.[] Finnish researchers found some evidence that older adults experience more femur fractures when the clock springs forward, but their findings weren’t strongly conclusive.[]
How changing the clock affects behaviors
As we transition back to standard time, patients may start to make healthier choices, meaning physicians may find their jobs become a bit easier.
With the return to a consistent schedule, patients are more likely to keep their appointments, reducing no-show rates and improving continuity of care.[] Standard time also aligns better with natural circadian rhythms, which can enhance patients’ overall well-being.
This alignment may lead to better health outcomes, as patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and engage in healthy behaviors, such as making smarter food choices and maintaining a more consistent exercise routine.[]
Additionally, with fewer disruptions to sleep patterns, healthcare providers may notice a decrease in stress-related conditions among their patients, making their practice more manageable. The regularity of standard time offers a valuable opportunity for physicians to foster a healthier environment for both themselves and their patients.
What this means for you
As we prepare to "fall back" next month, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of this time change. While reverting to standard time may provide a temporary respite from the health challenges associated with daylight saving time, it’s clear that the underlying issues of sleep disruption, safety risks, and behavioral changes require more than just an hour adjustment. The evidence suggests that eliminating seasonal time changes altogether could offer significant benefits for public health and well-being. As we embrace the return to standard time, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on our habits, prioritize our health, and advocate for a more consistent approach to timekeeping that aligns with our natural rhythms.
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