Sleep specialist says changing the clocks ‘is toxic’ to our minds and bodies
Feb 28, 2025, 6:30 AM | Updated: 4:48 pm
An expert in sleep disorders said that the bi-annual time change is toxic to our bodies and minds. (©istockphoto.com)
(©istockphoto.com)
SALT LAKE CITY — Daylight Saving Time is toxic to our minds and bodies, and our sleep.
That’s the word from Dr. John Saito and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Based on their assessment of the time change, the Academy is urging the nation’s lawmakers to stick with Standard Time all year.
Americans are already sleep deprived
Dr. Saito treats people with sleep disorders and said Americans are already sleep deprived, especially teenagers. He said springing the clock forward one hour just worsens the situation.
“Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function,” Saito said on the “Let’s Get Moving with Maria” podcast.
He said it slows our reaction time and makes it tough to control our emotions.
Saito said the shift in time effects us a lot like jet lag. And he said the only way to minimize the impact is to get to sleep 20 to 30 minutes earlier each night for the next week. That way, the change in time won’t be as dramatic when it happens on March 9th.
Read more from the Let’s Get Moving podcast:
- Nutritious food is good for your mood
- Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away
- What is adaptive resistance exercise?
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