The Clock Conundrum: How Spring Daylight Saving Affects Our Health

Daylight Saving Time affects nearly a quarter of the global population, with some experiencing fatigue and cognitive challenges post-transition. This struggle is more severe for night owls and those on high-fat diets, due to misalignment in circadian rhythms. Light exposure plays a crucial role in this adjustment process.

Twice a year, roughly a quarter of the world's population resets their clocks, a task that may seem minor but often disrupts lives. For many, including night owls, the transition after the spring tap of the clock can mean weeks of fatigue, brain fog, and irritability.

Circadian rhythms, intrinsic to all life forms, make this adjustment challenging. These rhythms control vital functions like hormone release and metabolism, thus their disruption can greatly affect one's well-being. While most people take just a week to adjust to the time change, others, particularly those on high-fat diets, experience prolonged difficulties.

Among the various factors influencing adaptation are diet and light exposure. Recent studies indicate that people consuming high-fat diets adapt more slowly due to reduced circadian sensitivity. Additionally, exposure to natural light, especially during the morning, aids in aligning the body's internal clock. Such misalignments after the spring shift can also lead to increased mortality rates, driving fatigue, and other health concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)