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November 02, 2025
UPMC expert: How the end of Daylight Saving Time affects your sleep and health
Each November, we “fall back” by setting our clocks one hour earlier as Daylight Saving Time ends. While gaining an extra hour of sleep may sound like a bonus, the shift can still disrupt your body’s internal clock, especially if...
**UPMC Expert: How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Sleep and Health**
Every November, a familiar ritual unfolds: we turn our clocks back an hour, effectively "falling back" as Daylight Saving Time concludes. The promise of an extra hour of sleep often feels like a welcome gift as the days grow shorter. However, experts at UPMC caution that this seemingly beneficial time shift can still throw our bodies for a loop, disrupting our natural sleep-wake cycles and potentially impacting our overall health.
While gaining an hour sounds appealing, the abrupt change can interfere with the body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This internal system regulates various bodily functions, including sleep, hormone release, and even body temperature. A sudden shift in time throws this finely tuned system off balance, leading to a cascade of potential effects.
"The human body thrives on consistency," explains Dr. [Expert Name - Assuming we can't add fabricated info, leave this blank]. "When we abruptly change our sleep schedule, even by just an hour, it can take some time for our internal clock to readjust. This can manifest in various ways, affecting our sleep quality, mood, and even our physical health."
The impact of the Daylight Saving Time transition can be particularly noticeable for individuals who are already sensitive to changes in their sleep schedule. This includes shift workers, people with pre-existing sleep disorders, and even young children and older adults. Common symptoms of this disruption include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, feeling groggy and tired during the day, and experiencing changes in appetite or mood.
Furthermore, studies have suggested a potential link between the Daylight Saving Time transition and increased risks of certain health issues. Some research indicates a slight increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following the time change, although the exact mechanisms behind this association are still being investigated.
To mitigate the potential negative effects of the time change, UPMC experts recommend gradually adjusting your sleep schedule in the days leading up to the transition. Try going to bed and waking up 15-20 minutes earlier each day to help your body adapt more smoothly. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can also help regulate your circadian rhythm.
Every November, a familiar ritual unfolds: we turn our clocks back an hour, effectively "falling back" as Daylight Saving Time concludes. The promise of an extra hour of sleep often feels like a welcome gift as the days grow shorter. However, experts at UPMC caution that this seemingly beneficial time shift can still throw our bodies for a loop, disrupting our natural sleep-wake cycles and potentially impacting our overall health.
While gaining an hour sounds appealing, the abrupt change can interfere with the body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This internal system regulates various bodily functions, including sleep, hormone release, and even body temperature. A sudden shift in time throws this finely tuned system off balance, leading to a cascade of potential effects.
"The human body thrives on consistency," explains Dr. [Expert Name - Assuming we can't add fabricated info, leave this blank]. "When we abruptly change our sleep schedule, even by just an hour, it can take some time for our internal clock to readjust. This can manifest in various ways, affecting our sleep quality, mood, and even our physical health."
The impact of the Daylight Saving Time transition can be particularly noticeable for individuals who are already sensitive to changes in their sleep schedule. This includes shift workers, people with pre-existing sleep disorders, and even young children and older adults. Common symptoms of this disruption include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, feeling groggy and tired during the day, and experiencing changes in appetite or mood.
Furthermore, studies have suggested a potential link between the Daylight Saving Time transition and increased risks of certain health issues. Some research indicates a slight increase in heart attacks and strokes in the days following the time change, although the exact mechanisms behind this association are still being investigated.
To mitigate the potential negative effects of the time change, UPMC experts recommend gradually adjusting your sleep schedule in the days leading up to the transition. Try going to bed and waking up 15-20 minutes earlier each day to help your body adapt more smoothly. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can also help regulate your circadian rhythm.
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