Turning back clocks might not be good for health, says respiratory therapist

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The clocks fall back this weekend, and that may not necessarily be a good thing, despite “gaining” an hour.

Paul Sweeney, a respiratory therapist and co-owner of Coastal Sleep — which operates sleep apnea clinics in Vancouver — said there is some evidence that suggests changing our clocks can lead to cardiac events and other medical concerns.

“It’s almost like being a bit jetlagged because you’re shifting. The shifting can be appropriate if you are getting enough light in the daytime,” he said of the time change.

Don’t forget clocks fall back one hour this weekend. Time change kicks in at 2a on Nov. 1. One expert says it’s actually bad for your body’s internal clock and can lead to greater fatigue . Suggests going to bed on time. We spring forward on March 14, 2021. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/nYJ2VZc9PR

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) October 30, 2020

“You need light to help with your body’s hormone regulations — circadian rhythm — and so any time you’re getting less light, it’s just unhealthy for the body.”

Sweeney said people think, ‘Great, an extra hour of sleep,’ but then they stay up too late and it makes the situation worse.

“You disrupt your circadian rhythm. Your body’s internal clock doesn’t like it. I think there’s been some evidence of increased medical events and motor vehicle accidents when people go through a time change,” he added.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 could make transition to standard time smoother: experts

Police and BCAA issue warnings annually about tired drivers hitting the road the week following the time change.

He suggested not to stay up late this weekend because you think you’re getting an extra hour and don’t drink extra coffee on Monday morning to make up for the fatigue.

Last year, the province passed legislation outlining plans to switch to Pacific Standard Time, alongside Washington, Oregon, and California but it’s been put on the backburner because of COVID-19.