Pros and Cons of "Springing Forward"

Springing forward has many benefits but it also has some disadvantages such as a disrupted sleep cycle.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) began at 2am on Sunday, March 14th, 2021 with “spring forward” when most of the United States moved clocks forward by one hour. It will end on November 7th , 2021 when clocks will “fall back.”

1. Pros and Cons of Spring Forward
Approximately 1.5 billion people in 70 countries observe DST worldwide.

Longer daylight hours promote safety
Longer daylight hours make driving safer, lowers car accident rates, and lowers the risk of pedestrians being hit by a car. Daylight in the evening makes it safer for joggers, people walking dogs, and children playing outside because drivers are able to see people more easily. Also, criminal activity is lowered as robberies drop about 7% overall, and 27% in the evening hours after the spring time change.

It’s good for the economy
Later daylight means more people shopping after work, increasing retail sales, and more people driving, increasing gas and snacks sales during the time we spend in DST which is eight months. More daylight doesn’t just benefit retailers but also golfers as the golf industry reported that one month of DST was worth $200 to $400 million.

It promotes an active lifestyle
When the day is lighter later, people tend to participate in more outdoor activities.

On the other hand, DST disrupts sleep patterns as even one less hour of sleep can disrupt the natural circadian rhythm and result in negative consequences such as fatigue, headaches and lower productivity. Moreover, the risk of a heart attack increases 10% the Monday and Tuesday following the springtime change. Last but not least, DST is an expensive endeavor. The simple act of changing clocks costs Americans $1.7 billion in lost opportunity cost based on average hourly wages, as the ten or so minutes spent moving clocks, watches, and devices could be spent on something more productive. Additionally, DST also has a cost for the airline industry due to confused time schedules with countries who do not participate in the time change. Lower productivity, health issues and workplace injuries add up to a significant cost which is why many people are against DST regulation.

2. Daylight Savings and the Importance of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Quality sleep is as just as vital as regular exercise and a balanced diet. Yet, modern lifestyles often compromise on it. When we spring forward to daylight saving time, we lose an hour of sleep and the effect of it can linger for a while in the form of fatigue, lower concentration, productivity. People with sleep disorders are likely to show signs of depression and have a weakened immune system as our bodies don’t have the time to repair and prepare for another day.

Therefore, you need to invest in your sleep continuously for that one-hour change to disrupt your natural rhythm as little as possible.

3. Spring Forward Sleep Tips
Sleep is a vital and often neglected ingredient of our health and well-being. So, let’s ensure you get adequate rest for that one less hour of sleep to be less painful.

Gradually transition into spring time
To minimize the impact of the switch to DST, make gradual adjustments by going to bed15 minutes earlier each day, starting several days before the actual change takes place.

Invest in quality sleep
Don’t bring your smart devices to bed. Avoid foods or liquids an hour before bed. Bedtime is a time to rest so you don’t need to do anything. All you have to do is ‘unplug’. Invest in blackout curtains which block out any light and insulate your room which can cut heating and cooling costs and lower your Gas South utility bill. Put on some lavender spray on your pillows to create a sleep-friendly environment.

Let the sunshine in
Once daylight saving begins on Sunday morning, enjoy the sun’s rays after you wake up as they will help set your body’s internal clock.

Takeaway
Sleep is important because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Although DST might disrupt it, your internal clock will adjust on its own in several days. Just be patient, prepare and take it easy on yourself by not jam-packing your schedule right after the time change. Last but not least, don’t forget the enjoy the additional hours of daylight!