Daylight savings is a practice that the entire country participates two times every year. No one really wonders why we turn our clocks forward and backward, let alone question the health risks that accompany this time shift.

Daylight savings was created to make better use of daylight as the seasons change. It allows us to have longer days in the spring and summer time and sunny mornings throughout the colder months. Although this concept sounds ideal, there are many health risks that come with this sudden change of schedule.       

Studies have shown that during the first week of daylights savings there is a significant spike in heart attacks. The reason for that spike is unknown, however, some believe the heart attacks are a result of stress caused by lack of sleep. There is also a significant increase in traffic accidents due to groggy drivers.

We are sleep deprived people, so even missing 20 minutes of sleep is noticeable. This lack of rest disrupts our sleep cycles causing a decrease in productivity, concentration, and memory. Daylight saving is also both mentally and physically difficult to adapt to; it can take some people up to three weeks to completely adjust to this sudden change.  

“I get around six hours of sleep every night, but if I sleep any less than that, it really affects the following day,” said Hills freshman Jiyoung Song.

Many of us have grown oblivious toward the health risks that come with daylights savings. It is not like we can stop participating in it, the entire country runs on this schedule. However, what we can do to lower these risks is train our bodies. Try setting your alarm a little bit earlier every day during the week leading up to daylights savings. This will get your body adjusted to waking up early once the actual time shift rolls around. You should also eat a healthy breakfast to alert your body that the day is starting. Lastly, the most obvious tip: sleep early! Put your phone down and make sure you get some rest.

Even though daylight savings can be a hassle, having sunlight for a couple extra hours during the warmer months accompanies our active summer schedules. Make sure to prepare your body for this change, it will help you adjust much faster so you can enjoy the new season!