888-765-5400Daylight Savings November 6th – How it Can Affect Your Sleep
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages members to practice preventive health care, but did you know that daylight savings can have adverse health affects, especially when it comes to sleep patterns? Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, November 6th at midnight and people all over North Carolina will be setting clocks back by one hour, moving an hour of daylight from evening to the morning. Although this may make getting out of bed this winter a little easier, daylight savings can affect us in ways that may surprise you. According to WebMD, “moving our clocks in either direction changes the principal time cue – light – for setting and resetting our 24-hour natural cycle or circadian rhythm.” This, in turn, knocks our internal clock “out of sync” and forces us to readjust.
Most experts agree that “falling back” in the autumn is an easier transition than “springing forward” in the spring, but either way, it forces a change in the body’s rhythm. In fact, researchers have looked at a number of health trends that seem to surround daylight savings, including an increase in traffic accidents. Although still unclear how adjusting the clock directly correlates with this increase, some experts argue that it’s based primarily on a change of sleep patterns.
A lack of sufficient sleep is a logical explanation for increased traffic accidents and the National Highway Safety Administration issued a warning, asserting that “adjusting to the new, low-light environment can take time.” With nightfall occurring a full hour earlier, drivers need to be even more alert and aware of how the changes in light affect motor vehicle safety. Drivers also need to be aware that it will be more difficult to see pedestrians and need to be on high alert when driving through neighborhoods where foot traffic is still likely in the early to late evening.
The good news this fall is that it appears the spring time shift is riskier than the autumn one; however, undoubtedly having to reset your internal clock will take its toll. Make sure to get enough sleep, pay attention on the road and be aware of any changes in sleep patterns that could effect optimal performance.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the health and well-being of North Carolinians! For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.