Ban Time Changes!

Why daylight savings is a bad idea: click here. Thanks to Tony for finding this particular link. To summarize, there are more car accidents the morning after a daylight savings time change. This report indicates that when everyone's sleep cycle is changed at the same time, it is dangerous for society. When everyone is running on low sleep and has had their normal routine shifted, no one functions optimally.

Also, this study shows that suicide rates are increased after the time is changed. This study shows that in the three days after time changes, the rates of heart attacks (myocardial infarction) are increased among office works. Lastly, this study explains how it may take our bodies up to two weeks to fully adjust our circadian rhythm to the new time schedule (note: our circadian rhythm is crucial to life; it regulates our metabolism and hormone cycles, meaning it regulates our sleeping and eating patterns, emotions, and body temperature, to name a few).

What all of these studies show is that changing our sleep cycles with nation-wide time changes can be harmful to both our health and our safety. However, with that said, most of these studies point out the dangers of daylight savings time (with the change happening in the Spring, when sleep is lost). With daylight savings time ending today, we may be safer and healthier tomorrow (save for the changes in our circadian rhythm, which--as noted above--may be altered for a week or two) because we are getting a bit more sleep tonight. Nevertheless, I think all of these studies point out why daylight savings can be harmful and most definitely be reevaluated (now's the time to talk about it, before the Spring (i.e. the more dangerous) time change!).

And speaking of sleep, here is a quote to help you decide what to do with your extra hour tonight ;)

"A man ninety years old was asked to what he attributed his longevity. 'I reckon', he said, with a twinkle in his eye, 'it's because most nights I went to bed and slept when I should have sat up and worried'". -- Garson Kanin