What Does Daylight Savings Do to Your Body

When the Clock Changes, Your Body Feels It

That twice-yearly clock shift doesn't just mess with your Sunday morning—it throws your entire body for a loop.

Here's what happens when we "spring forward" or "fall back" during Daylight Saving Time changes.

Your Body Clock Gets Blindsided

Your internal clock (circadian rhythm) runs on a roughly 24-hour cycle that doesn't care what your wall clock says.

When we suddenly shift by an hour, your body doesn't get the memo right away.

This mismatch can trigger:

• Sleep disruption lasting up to a week

• Morning grogginess and afternoon crashes

• Reduced concentration and reaction time

• Increased irritability (just ask your family)

Beyond Just Being Tired

Research shows these clock changes pack a bigger punch than just making you yawn more:

• Heart attack risk increases by 24% in the days following the springtime change

• Traffic accidents spike by about 6% in the days after we lose an hour

• Workplace injuries jump by nearly 6%, and those injuries tend to be more severe

How to Ride It Out

• Start shifting your bedtime by 15-20 minutes each night for a few days before the time change

• Get morning sunlight to help reset your body clock

• Cut the caffeine earlier in the day and skip the nightcap

• Keep your mealtimes consistent with your new schedule

Most folks take about a week to fully adjust.

In the meantime, maybe go easy on important decisions—and maybe think twice before scheduling that Monday morning meeting after the clocks change.