Daylight saving time: Local doctor weighs in on what the time change does to our health

Get ready to lose an hour of sleep next week because daylight saving time starts on Sunday.

News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott talked to the medical director at Kettering Health Miamisburg sleep clinic on what the time change does to our health.

While some people like the more sunshine, Josh Weiss, a junior at the University of Dayton, says he gets more tired during the day.

>> Daylight saving time: How to bounce back from springing forward

“I do get upset that I lose that hour of sleep,” Weiss said. “That one night is game changing for me.”

He isn’t alone. Dr. Sarah Hussain with Kettering Health says many people struggle with the time change.

“Mood issues, fatigue, tiredness, just not feeling up to the mark,” Hussain said.

Another student completely understands this.

“Sleep is very precious to college students. So the more of it we get the better we function,” said Joey Urso, senior at UD.

Lack of sleep may cause serious issues.

“There’s an uptick of heart attacks, motor vehicle accidents, work related accidents,” Hussain said.

For others though, the spring forward can be beneficial.

“Seasonal affective disorder or depression that many people notice during winter seasons,” Hussain said. “That is one of the major health benefits of the daylight saving time.”

Grace McMonagle, a junior at UD, agrees and embraces daylight saving time. She thinks people perk up this time of year.

“A lot of people when it’s dark out and gloomy like today, that it’s kind of hard to be productive and get out of bed and do stuff. So when the sun’s out, I definitely think that helps people,” McMonagle said.

Hussain says to make the transition easier on yourself, you should go to bed earlier Saturday night and the next couple of nights along with waking up earlier than normal.

©2023 Cox Media Group