You know that feeling—the one that visits us every March. It’s that time of year when we set our clocks forward and “lose” a whole hour of sleep. Now, you wouldn’t think one single hour could cause such a stir. Yet, every time this Daylight Saving Time weekend rolls around, I find myself groaning. I’ve convinced myself that the disruption might be more than just having to reset my clocks and missing out on some dream time — and maybe, just maybe, science is on my side.

So, why not look into the facts? Is there more to this spring tradition than meets the eye, or am I just particularly attached to my sleep? Let’s see what we can learn.

Why We Spring Forward in the First Place

Daylight Saving Time (DST) has been around for over 100 years, first popping up in Germany during World War I as a way to conserve fuel. The idea was to shift daylight into the evening hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. The United States and Canada followed suit shortly after, especially during wartime, but DST has had a bit of a rocky history.

Here in Canada, most provinces follow DST, but Saskatchewan, parts of B.C. and the Yukon territory have opted out. Even among those of us who follow it, opinions are mixed. While some appreciate longer evenings for outdoor activities, others question whether the benefits outweigh the inconvenience (AP News).

Interestingly, energy savings—one of the main justifications for DST—are not as significant as once believed. Some studies suggest that any reductions in lighting use are offset by increased heating and cooling demands (Wall Street Journal).

The Impact on Health and Safety

Now let’s get back to that missing hour. Can one hour really do so much damage? According to sleep scientists, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Our bodies are guided by circadian rhythms, 24-hour internal cycles that control everything from sleep and digestion to hormone levels and mood. When we shift our clocks, we disrupt this natural rhythm, and the effects can last days or even weeks.

After the spring forward, research has shown:

• A 24% increase in heart attacks the Monday after DST begins (Nature Communications).
• An 8% rise in traffic accidents, particularly during morning commutes in the days following the shift (Harvard Health).
• A 5.7% increase in workplace injuries, with 68% more workdays lost due to these injuries (Concentra).

It’s not just about sleepiness—it’s about real, measurable effects on our health, productivity, and safety.

Simple Steps to Stay Aligned

The good news? Awareness is the first step to managing the transition better. Here are some gentle strategies to ease into the time change:

• Shift your sleep schedule gradually in the days before DST begins—try heading to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.
• Get natural light in the morning. This helps reset your internal clock and signals your body to wake up naturally.
• Cut back on screen time in the evening. Blue light delays melatonin production, the hormone that makes you sleepy.
• Keep your sleep environment dark and quiet. Consider blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out unwanted light.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals late in the day. Let your body wind down without extra stimulation.

Upon Reflection

So, was I right to moan about the loss of that hour? It turns out, I had a point! Science shows that even a small shift in time can affect our bodies more than we might think. But with a bit of preparation and self-care, we can minimize the impact and move into spring feeling refreshed—not frazzled.

Wishing you restful nights and energized days,

Rhonda Latreille, MBA, CPCA

Founder & CEO

Age-Friendly Business®

P.S. Since 2003, Age-Friendly Business® has trained many thousands of professionals and businesses committed to learning how to elevate the quality of the client, customer, and community experience. They are called Certified Professional Consultants on Aging (CPCAs)® and Age-Friendly Businesses® and they have earned the right to ask for your business.