As most Canadians adjust to the transition between daylight saving time and standard time within a few days, sleep experts caution that this biannual time shift disrupts sleep patterns and impacts the body’s internal clock. Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explains that any misalignment between the internal body clock and the external light-dark cycle can lead to significant health issues.
Experts, including Mak, advocate for a permanent switch to Standard Time instead of toggling between daylight saving time (DST) and standard time (ST) due to its better alignment with natural rhythms and overall health benefits. Research indicates that the shift to DST in the spring, which involves losing an hour of sleep, poses greater health risks compared to gaining an hour in the fall, according to University of Ottawa’s associate professor Rebecca Robillard.
Robillard notes that the springtime change to DST is associated with an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, digestive problems, and issues related to childbirth and pregnancy. She emphasizes that maintaining Standard Time would be more beneficial for Canadians’ sleep patterns and overall well-being, as highlighted by legislative efforts in British Columbia and Ontario to permanently adopt DST.
Despite the push to embrace DST in certain regions, experts caution that sticking to Standard Time aligns better with natural sun exposure patterns and minimizes disruptions to sleep schedules, particularly during fall and winter. Patricia Lakin-Thomas, a professor at York University, warns that adopting permanent DST could lead to challenges during darker seasons, with delayed sunrise times affecting daily routines.
While calls to abolish DST have been raised by some politicians, including a recent private member’s bill, the process is expected to face delays in Parliament. In the interim, experts recommend gradually adjusting sleep schedules before the time change, maintaining regular physical activity, and adhering to consistent sleep and meal routines to ease the transition between daylight saving and standard time. It’s crucial not to exercise close to bedtime to avoid stimulating the body’s systems and causing disruptions to the biological clock. Additionally, experts stress that trying to “bank” sleep in advance to compensate for sleep loss is ineffective.
Saskatchewan remains the only province in Canada that does not observe DST, with concerns raised about the potential impact of winter DST on residents. Despite ongoing debates and proposals regarding DST elimination, experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits and routines to mitigate the effects of seasonal time changes.
