The Shocking Health Risks of Daylight Saving Time for Texas

Why Changing the Clocks May Be Hurting Your Health

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is back upon us once again on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m., and if it sounds like I'm being a little sarcastic, I am because DST to me does not mean "daylight savings time" it means "destroying sleep time." Furthermore, it means that we are all going to lose one hour of sleep by "springing forward." While we may enjoy longer daylight hours, research shows this time shift, has a real negative effect on our health in general.

Here’s what you need to know, and how to prepare.

The Hidden Health Risks of Losing an Hour
Studies from the American Medical Association (AMA) and Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) reveal some surprising ways DST affects the human body:

• Higher Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke: YES! Heart attacks increase by 24% on the Monday after DST begins, and stroke risk jump up 8% on the first few days afterward.
• Mood Changes and Depression: Losing an hour of sleep disrupts natural rhythms, increasing stress, anxiety, and seasonal depression.
• Slower Decision-Making: Lack of sleep leads to poor judgment, more mistakes, and even an increase in workplace injuries.
• Weight Gain: Appetite hormones get thrown off balance, leading to increased hunger and cravings.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: While longer daylight means more sun exposure, early morning darkness can reduce natural vitamin D intake, which is essential for heart and bone health.
  These changes can take one to two weeks for the body to adjust.

How to Prepare for the Time Change

Experts, including the AARP, recommend these steps to make the transition easier:

1. Start Adjusting Now: Go to bed 15–20 minutes earlier each night leading up to March 9.
2. Get Morning Sunlight: Spend at least 15 minutes outside in the morning to reset your internal clock.
3. Darken Your Room Earlier: Dim the lights in the evening to signal your body it’s time to wind down.
4. Limit Caffeine and Screens: Avoid coffee and electronics at least one hour before bed to improve sleep quality.
5. Consider a Vitamin D Boost: If you don’t get enough sun exposure, a supplement could help with energy and immune support.

Why Do We Still Change the Clocks?

DST started over 100 years ago as a way to save energy. But today, many experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, argue that switching back and forth does more harm than good.

In 2022, the AMA called on the government to eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a permanent standard time. Discussions are ongoing, and some lawmakers continue to push for change.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that former President Donald Trump is now in favor of making DST permanent, adding fuel to the debate.

The Bottom Line

Like it or not, Daylight Saving Time is coming. The best thing you can do is start adjusting now to minimize the effects on your body. Small changes to your sleep routine, sunlight exposure, and diet can make a big difference.

Set your clocks forward on March 9 at 2 a.m., and sweet dreams.