First, let’s be thankful for getting our extra hour back last weekend.
Despite the thrill of having recovered our precious hour, let’s take note of a few circumstances that present themselves as we get acclimated.
On a positive note, there’s more light for students to safely walk to the school bus; on the other side of the coin, children may still be playing outside during and beyond sunset.
As we adjust to the return of standard time, the first few days can be bumpy as our bodies’ circadian sleep-wake cycle reboots itself.
Give yourself extra time in the morning where five or ten extra minutes guarantees a natural pace rather than a chaotic morning race to get the kids and yourself ready.
Author Michael Barber discusses the health effects of ‘falling back’ in his article Health Effects of Daylight Savings and Falling Back.
“Falling back can lead to changes in appetite.
Studies published by the National Institute on Health (NIH) indicate that you may feel hungry an hour earlier than you usually do, which can lead to irritability and hunger pangs if you need to hold off on eating due to a later work lunch break.
Depression and mood changes are some other significant health effects of falling back.
Lack of sunlight and reduced vitamin D levels can lead to bouts of depression after turning back the clock.”
Safewise.com posted an article on similar concerns written by Rebecca Edwards.
“Research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University revealed that the risk per mile walked for pedestrians skyrockets by 186 percent from October to November.
Moreover, auto accidents also increase during this period, according to the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF).
Commuting in the dark can make drivers drowsier than usual, and the earlier onset of darkness can disrupt our internal clocks, adding to the driving risks.”
If your feeling self-assured that you’re more than ready for this time change, remember the other 99% might be deluding themselves into thinking they are as well.
The start of deer season, colder weather and commuting in the dark can be a recipe for disaster getting up close and personal crossing paths with wildlife on the highway.
You may be used to juggling apples, but the variable of time change can upset the apple cart.
In other words, stop multitasking and proceed with caution.
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com
