export_ofoct.com (1)

[00:00.39] Sleep deprivation, or lack of sleep, is linked to heart disease, weight conditions, problems with thinking and remembering, and more.

[00:14.73] Deadly car crash numbers increase the first few days after the spring time change, a study of U.S. traffic deaths says.

[00:27.22] The risk of crashes is highest in the morning, it found. Researchers suggested sleep deprivation might be responsible.

[00:39.70] The time change also has a link to the heart.

[00:44.75] The American Heart Association points to studies that suggest an increase in heart attacks on the Monday after daylight saving time begins, and in strokes for two days afterward.

[01:02.81] Doctors already know that heart attacks, especially severe ones, are a bit more common on Mondays generally — and in the morning, when blood is more likely to clot.

[01:19.81] Researchers do not know why the time change would add to that Monday connection.

[01:28.84] But it is possible the sudden circadian change influences other issues such as high blood pressure in people already at risk.

[01:41.33] To prepare for daylight saving time, experts offer some advice.

[01:48.50] Slowly move bedtimes about 15 or 20 minutes earlier for several nights before the time change.

[02:00.72] Try to rise earlier the next morning, too.

[02:04.97] Go outside for early morning sunshine the first week of daylight saving time.

[02:12.94] This is another way to help reset your body’s clock.

[02:19.58] Start daily activities, like dinner or exercise, a little earlier.

[02:27.55] This may help tell your body to start getting used to the new conditions, sleep experts suggest.

[02:38.97] Daytime sleeping, the drug caffeine and light from phones and other electronic devices can make an earlier bedtime even harder.

[02:52.25] Americans have discussed ending daylight saving time.

[02:57.03] But so far, no official changes have been made.

[03:02.34] Health groups such as the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine believe it is time to end time changes.

[03:16.95] The groups suggest that staying with standard time year-round works better for human biology and sleep needs.