Most Canadians take a few days to adjust to the switch between daylight saving time and standard time, but according to sleep experts, this biannual time shift disrupts sleep patterns and impacts the body’s internal clock negatively.
Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explains that the internal body clock synchronizes with the external light-dark cycle, and any discrepancy between them can lead to significant health issues.
Instead of alternating between daylight saving time (DST) and standard time (ST), experts like Mak suggest permanently adhering to Standard Time as it better aligns with the body’s natural rhythms and promotes better health.
Springing forward has more adverse effects than falling back
Research indicates that the transition to DST in spring, where we lose an hour of sleep, is more detrimental compared to gaining an hour in the fall, as highlighted by University of Ottawa associate professor Rebecca Robillard, who oversees clinical sleep research at the school’s Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR).
Robillard points out that the spring DST change is linked to a higher risk of health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, digestive problems, and complications during childbirth and pregnancy, according to studies.
Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde, along with sleep experts, announced plans to introduce a bill to address the biannual time change.
Countries with significant seasonal variations in daylight hours, particularly those far from the equator, adopt DST to maximize daylight during spring and summer. However, Robillard notes that Canadians tend to sleep worse during DST due to staying up later to enjoy warmer evenings.
Despite the appeal of extending evenings, societal obligations often hinder Canadians from adjusting their sleep schedules accordingly, leading to sleep disruptions.
Experts advocate for sticking to Standard Time
Both B.C. and Ontario have passed laws to permanently switch to DST, aiming to eliminate the challenges associated with the biannual time change, pending agreement from neighboring regions.
Although initial concerns were raised about aligning with the New York Stock Exchange, sleep researchers in Canada generally agree that adhering to Standard Time is more beneficial.