Every year in the fall in Canada we face the time change when Daylight Savings Time ends. Whether you’re at home sleeping or at the airport working, this change can take a toll on our circadian rhythm . Studies have shown that the shift to Standard Time can result in an increase in heart attacks and car accidents, as well as an increase in reported cases of depression due to loss of afternoon daylight.
Things you can do to help make this change easier:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule - Do your best to get seven to eight hours of sleep and stick to your schedule to help your body adapt to the new time change
- Have a good bedtime routine - Try to reduce your time using electronics and screens an hour before bed, and avoid stimulants like caffeine in the evening
- Get some sunlight - Try and get as much sunlight as you can on fall and winter days when fewer hours of daylight can affect our moods and energy levels
- Take a nap - If you need to, try, and take a short 15-20 minute nap to help with the transition
It takes most people an average of five to seven days to transition into this new routine after the end of Daylight Savings Time. During that time, keep an eye on yourself and your co-workers and your work procedures, as it has been shown that workplace accidents do go up quite substantially over this period.