Setting the clocks one hour ahead in the spring for Daylight Saving Time has resulted in more people having an irregular heartbeat. One of the most common types of irregular heartbeat is atrial fibrillation. It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans deal with atrial fibrillation. This type of irregular heartbeat can trigger heart failure or stroke.

When adjusting the clocks, the technology has our back. As most of us have smartphones, they automatically adjust. However, the problem appears in our bodies. Our internal clocks aren't as easy to re-program. In fact, this time shift which happens twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, has a huge impact on our health.

Many people think that one hour ahead or back is not a huge difference, but our brain doesn’t agree with that. Actually, our brain is used and synchronized to the 24 hours light/dark cycle. Our body and our internal clock need about two days to adjust to the new time.

We lose one hour of sleep when there is a daylight saving time in the spring. That’s the time when an increased number of traffic accidents and heart attacks happen.

Spring Daylight Savings Time and Atrial Fibrillation

There has been an increased number of hospital admissions of patients with atrial fibrillation in the days following the spring time change. The one-hour difference doesn’t seem like a huge difference, but our heartbeat wouldn’t agree with us. The shift to daylight saving time can have a negative impact on the overall health.

Our bodies are extremely sensitive to time and rhythm. Our brain has a master clock which tracks the time. In addition, each of the cells in our body has a time-keeping mechanism. These mechanisms have a very important role, such as regulating our metabolism and sleep patterns. So, when we’re out of routine and not synchronized with our internal clocks, the health will suffer.

In fact, disrupting the routines can trigger some metabolic disease. That’s why people who work overnight shifts are more prone to developing diabetes. Likewise, kids who don’t have regular sleeping patterns are likely to be obese.

Tips to Get You Prepared for the Darker Days Ahead

Fortunately, there are numerous steps which you can undertake which will get you ready for those upcoming darker days.

Maximize your exposure to daylight: This means that you should spend more time awake and outside in the morning hours. To do so, make sure you go to bed one hour earlier. For instance, if you’re used to going to bed at 12 p.m., try 11 p.m. instead.

Increase the intake of nourishing foods: During the cold winter months, we tend to be more depressed and thus, eat more. Eating more isn’t an issue as long as you take more protein sources. Always opt for protein instead of carbs. Some of the foods we’d recommend eating are nuts, plant-based proteins, and fish (tuna and salmon).

Do regular but moderate physical exercises: Doing regular physical exercises will improve your health and eliminate depression symptoms.

Eat a light dinner: Having a light dinner early can be very beneficial for the dark days. What’s more, it will help you shed some pounds. Additionally, it’s best if you limit the intake of alcohol.

Socialize: Being surrounded by people in the winter months can be extremely beneficial. We strongly recommend joining a club or group activity. This will help you forget about seasonal depression.

Travel: If you can afford it, go closer to the equator during the winter months to get more daylight. In case this isn’t an option for you, start waking up early and get as much light as you can.