Have you adjusted to the time change yet? When you set your clock back on Sunday, November 6th marking the end of Daylight Saving Time, you probably relished the idea of an extra hour of sleep. But the reality is, that “extra hour” we get every November is not all it’s cracked up to be.
According to Dr. Kelly Carden president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, “The sudden change in clock time can disrupt your sleep pattern, leading to a decrease in total sleep time and reduced sleep quality.” And this disruption can last for weeks.
Sleep deprivation can have serous negative effects on the body—and those negative effects can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening consequences when it comes to driving.
Driving when you’re drowsy can make it harder for you to pay attention to the road and properly assess potential hazards, impact how well you can make fast decisions, and increase your reaction time.
But drowsy driving isn’t the only consequence of the November time change that leads to an increase in wrecks. People driving in the evening after Daylight Saving Time ends face lowered visibility due to the loss of sunlight, and that reduction increases the odds of a crash.
Many experts are now calling for an end to Daylight Saving Time and the biannual time change. Whether you are eager to jump on that band wagon or maintain that the brief sleep disturbance is no big deal, we here at Accident & Injury Chiropractic encourage you to do what you can to reduce your chances of getting in a crash now and in spring 2023.
- Minimize how much light you’re exposed to from phones, laptops, and TV at night, as artificial light can wreak havoc with your circadian rhythm and, consequently, your sleep.
- Avoid heavy meals, coffee, and alcohol right before going to bed.
- Take naps as needed until your body completely adjusts to the time switch.
- Be aware of decreased driving visibility and take the proper precautions.
- When Daylight Saving Time rolls around again this spring, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule leading into it to make the transition a bit easier.
And remember, if you do get into a wreck, we’re here to help with 12 clinics throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and more on the way!
