Daylight saving time, which concludes on Sunday, November 5, brings an extra hour of sleep, but according to sleep experts, it can potentially disrupt our health. As we prepare to turn back the clocks, it's important to be aware of the challenges that may arise.

Dr. Andrew Stiehm, a pulmonary and sleep medicine physician at Allina Health, cautions that while it may be easy to sleep in for an extra hour, adjusting our bedtimes can be more challenging. As a result, many people experience some degree of sleep deprivation in the aftermath of the time change.

The springtime shift, when we lose an hour of sleep, is particularly risky. Studies have linked this time change to higher rates of motor vehicle accidents, heightened risk of heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and even depression in the following week or two. Although to a milder extent, similar effects can also be observed during the fall time change.

To combat the disruptions caused by daylight saving time, experts recommend making incremental changes in sleep routines leading up to the transition. By adjusting bedtime and wake-up times in 15-minute intervals over the course of the week or two before the time change, individuals can help minimize the impact on their sleep patterns.

Interestingly, children tend to adapt to time changes more quickly than adults due to their reliance on set schedules. Making subtle adjustments to their wind-down or dinner times can ease the transition for them.

In terms of mitigating sleepiness and aiding the adjustment, spending time in the sunlight is particularly beneficial. Sun exposure helps regulate our body's internal rhythm, making it a valuable tool in resetting our sleep patterns.

The consensus among sleep providers, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, is that standard time, experienced between fall and spring, should be year-round. These experts argue in favor of eliminating daylight saving time for the sake of public health and safety. Dr. Stiehm acknowledges that while standard time is preferred for health outcomes such as depression, heart attacks, and automobile accidents, daylight saving time has its advantages for leisure activities.

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed a bill endorsing permanent daylight saving time across the country starting in 2023. However, the bill failed to secure passage in the U.S. House before the last congressional term concluded. Nevertheless, several states, including Minnesota, have taken steps to enact legislation that would permanently transition to daylight saving time if the change is implemented nationwide.

As we brace ourselves for the end of daylight saving time, it is crucial to recognize the potential health disruptions it can cause. By implementing gradual adjustments and prioritizing sun exposure, we can minimize the impact on our well-being. The ongoing debate surrounding the need to eliminate daylight saving time highlights the need for further discussion and potential changes to our timekeeping practices.