Did You Remember to Change the Clock? Here's What That Could Mean for Your Health

Last night, Israel officially switched to standard time (between Saturday and Sunday), meaning clocks were set back one hour. This happened at 2:00 AM when clock hands were turned back to 1:00 AM, giving you an extra hour of sleep.

Despite the clear advantage of an extra hour of sleep, moving to standard time raises questions and controversies related to health, behavior, and long-term consequences. Researchers argue that sudden changes to the sleep schedule can affect overall health due to disruption of the natural sleep cycle. According to them, our brains function best with steady 24-hour sleep cycles, and interrupting this can make recovery difficult and lead to various physical symptoms, such as increased fatigue and cardiovascular diseases.

A 2019 study conducted at Harvard University found that mice experiencing sleep cycle disruptions developed larger arterial plaques. These results indicate a direct link between sleep quality and heart health. Additionally, it was found that shifting the clock forward in the spring, resulting in the loss of one hour of sleep, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In the U.S., on the day following the spring clock change, there is a 24% rise in hospital visits due to heart attacks.

Traffic accidents also tend to increase following the switch to standard time, primarily because drivers need to adjust to varying lighting conditions. On the other hand, the clock change's effects on mental health are also a pressing issue. As days shorten and dark hours lengthen, many people experience mood changes, fatigue, and even depression. Some encounter a phenomenon known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which includes symptoms like melancholy, lack of motivation, and even a desire for prolonged sleep.

In conclusion, although the impacts of the clock change in Israel are less severe than in northern countries, it's still important to be aware of mood and sleep changes.