Daylight saving seems to have an effect on the rates of heart attack. In the fall putting clocks back reduces heart attack risk, and in the spring putting clocks forward increases the heart attack risk.
Why should this be? One explanation is that the extra hour of sleep in the fall, when the clocks are put back, is good for most of us, and that the loss of the hour in the spring results in more sleep deprivation. This theory is bolstered by two pieces of evidence. First, the changes in heart attack risk only last a few days, which is as long as it takes to adapt to or from daylight saving. Second, the change in risk is higher in those under 65 than those over 65. Those under 65 are more likely to be working and have a fixed schedule for the time that they have to get up, whereas those over 65 are more likely to be retired and have a flexible schedule and can adapt slowly.
The theory of increased or lack of sleep having an effect on heart attack may also explain why there is a slight increase in the number of heart attacks on Mondays. We tend to stay up later on weekends, but then have to get up on Monday to go to work.
Sleep deprivation is already known to have other bad effects. The risk of developing type diabetes is increased with sleep deprivation. It is thought that lack of sleep interferes with glucose regulation. Further there is thought to be an effect on appetite. This has led researchers to suggest that lack of sleep may in some people contribute to obesity.
A lot of testing over the years has shown that sleep deprivation clouds judgment and reduces the ability to do many things. Being very sleep deprived often makes people act as if were drunk.
Hopefully, like me, you are thinking you should really try to get more sleep. In the spring try to get lots of sleep the few days before the clocks go forward, this will help offset the loss of sleep on March 8, 2009. Happy dreams.
[tags]heart attack risk, putting clocks back, daylight saving, sleep deprivation[/tags]
