Does the time change have any health effects? State of play in October 2023

Skip to; winter time, then summer time… Every 6 months. Is this reasonable?

Every year, in the spring and at the end of the day. fall, hundreds of millions of people in the fall Around the world are adjusting their clocks to conform to the time change. This practice, introduced with the aim of saving energy in the 1970s, is raising growing questions about its consequences for human health. human. So, what are the health effects? time change, and how does this biological disruption affect our overall well-being?

To understand the effects of the time change on our health, it is essential to understand a little about our internal biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. Our body follows a 24-hour daily rhythm, regulating various physiological processes such as sleep, body temperature, hormone secretion and alertness.

When the time change is applied, this biological clock can be disrupted. Going from a standard hour to an hour summer time (by moving the clock forward) or Winter time (by moving it back) can shift our circadian rhythm, causing a desynchronization between our internal biological clock and the constraints of our schedule.

< strong>Effects on sleep

The most immediate effect of the time change is often felt on our sleep. When we save an hour In the fall, our sleep schedule may be shifted, which can disrupt the quality of our sleep. sleep.

These sleep disturbances can lead to problems with daytime sleepiness, irritability, loss of concentration and work efficiency. at work. The researchers also found a temporary increase in the number of road accidents after the time change.

Long-term impacts

Beyond sleep disorders, the time change can have consequences on your health. physical and mental long term. Several studies have suggested a transient increase in the risk of heart attacks, mood disorders (such as depression) and metabolic disorders after switching to daylight saving time.

Sudden fluctuations in brightness Changes and length of day can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, mood and metabolism. As a result, some people may experience symptoms similar to this. those of jet lag, even if the transition only represents an hour.

Of course, the effects of the time change vary from person to person à the other. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing sleep disorders seem particularly sensitive to changes in the time.

Experts recommend a few things to make it easier to sleep. #39;adapting to the time change, including:

• Gradually adjust your sleep schedule before the time change
• Exposing your body to ; natural light in the morning to stimulate the regulation of melatonin
• &Avoid the consumption of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime