As March arrives, we see the initial beams of sunlight, the blossoming of flowers, and longer days—spring is imminent, bringing vibrant hues with it. This uplifts our spirits positively. Nonetheless, be cautious of a familiar occurrence that can be quite challenging for one’s physical wellbeing.
This particular phenomenon also takes place in October and affects the body, particularly younger individuals: daylight saving time. When we move to Daylight Saving Time on the night between March 29th and 30th, widespread tiredness is expected, potentially more severe than what happens when switching to Standard Time. According to all experts, moving to Daylight Saving Time—which causes each person to lose an hour of sleep—has adverse effects on health, as reported by various sources. Journal des Femmes .
Biologist Carla Finkelstein from the Society for the Study of Biological Rhythms , during an interview with Newsweek , explains: Studies indicate that Daylight Saving Time interferes with our internal (circadian) rhythm by decreasing early daylight, leading to later bedtimes and potentially adverse impacts on our well-being. She additionally highlights that staying on Standard Time throughout the year greatly benefits our circadian rhythms, overall health, and well-being Unfortunately, there’s no avoiding this time change, which has been in effect in France since 1975, coupled with the unavoidable tiredness it brings.
What's the approach to prevent feeling completely exhausted?
Do your best to avoid staying up too late On the evening of the daylight saving time switch, suggests Carla Finkelstein. . Meanwhile, Dr Catherine Lamblin , a sleep specialist, suggests avoiding build up tiredness. If feasible, try setting your bedtime at about 11 PM. Prior to the critical date, it's advisable to retire for the night slightly earlier than your typical bedtime—about thirty minutes ahead—to help acclimate your body progressively to the new schedule. After the adjustment period has concluded, it becomes crucial to pay attention to our body and head to bed once we feel sleepy, adds Dr Lamblin.
(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Le Journal des Femmes - Illustration: ©Unsplash)