Adjusting to the transition between daylight saving time and standard time may take a few days for most Canadians, but sleep experts warn that this biannual time shift disrupts sleep patterns and negatively impacts the body’s internal clock.
Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explains that the body’s internal clock synchronizes with the external light-dark cycle, and any discrepancy between the two can lead to significant health issues.
Experts studying circadian rhythms, including Mak, suggest that maintaining Standard Time all year round rather than switching between daylight saving time (DST) and standard time (ST) is more beneficial for natural rhythms and overall health.
Springing forward is more detrimental than falling back
Research indicates that the transition to daylight saving time in the spring, where an hour of sleep is lost, is more harmful compared to gaining an hour in the fall, according to University of Ottawa associate professor Rebecca Robillard, an expert in clinical sleep research.
Robillard highlights that the spring shift to DST is linked to an increased risk of health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, digestive problems, and complications during pregnancy.
Countries farther from the equator, experiencing significant seasonal variations in daylight, adopt DST to make use of extended daylight hours in spring and summer. Nevertheless, Robillard notes that Canadians tend to sleep worse during DST due to staying up later to enjoy the warmer evenings, which can be influenced by social obligations limiting sleep time.
Experts advocate for Standard Time
Both British Columbia and Ontario have passed laws to adopt DST permanently, aiming to eliminate the challenges associated with the biannual time change, pending agreement from neighboring jurisdictions.
Despite concerns raised about aligning with financial markets like the New York Stock Exchange, sleep researchers in Canada generally support sticking to Standard Time for better health outcomes.
Robillard emphasizes that the natural sun exposure profile aligns with Standard Time and that a shift to permanent DST would disrupt winter mornings significantly, impacting daily routines.
Saskatchewan remains the only Canadian province without DST observance, although some border communities follow the time change. A report from the Canadian Sleep Society warns of the adverse effects of winter DST on Saskatchewan residents.
A recent private member’s bill introduced in Parliament proposed abolishing DST in Canada, although the legislative process is expected to take time.
Prepare in Advance and Maintain Consistency
Experts recommend gradually adjusting your schedule by 15 minutes a few days before the time change to ease the transition. Engaging in physical activity and adhering to regular sleep and meal times can also aid in adapting to the time shift from daylight saving to standard time.
However, it is advised not to exercise close to bedtime to avoid sending conflicting signals to the body’s biological clock, as sleep cannot be stored or compensated for in advance.
