Adjusting to the transition between daylight saving time and standard time may take Canadians a few days, but experts warn that this biannual time shift can negatively impact sleep and disrupt the body’s internal clock.
Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explains that the body’s internal clock synchronizes with the external light-dark cycle, and any discrepancies between them can lead to significant health issues.
Instead of alternating between daylight saving time (DST) and standard time (ST), experts propose adhering to Standard Time permanently, as it aligns better with the body’s natural rhythms and is deemed healthier.
Springing forward poses greater challenges than falling back
Research indicates that the transition to DST in the spring, which involves losing an hour of sleep, is more detrimental compared to gaining an hour in the fall, according to University of Ottawa associate professor Rebecca Robillard, an expert in clinical sleep research.
Robillard highlights the importance of sufficient sleep, especially since many individuals are already sleep-deprived, emphasizing that the shift to DST is linked to increased health risks like heart attack, stroke, and digestive issues, as well as complications during childbirth and pregnancy.
Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde, accompanied by sleep experts, announced plans to introduce a bill addressing the biannual time change.
Countries farther from the equator, experiencing significant variations in daylight hours, opt for DST to maximize daylight during spring and summer. However, Canadians tend to experience slightly worse sleep during DST as they stay up later to enjoy the warmer weather and longer evenings.
According to Robillard, social obligations often hinder Canadians from catching up on sleep by waking up later, emphasizing the need to prioritize adhering to Standard Time for better sleep patterns.
Experts advocate for Standard Time
Both B.C. and Ontario have passed legislation to permanently adopt DST to eliminate the challenges associated with the biannual time change, contingent on neighboring regions following suit.
Despite initial concerns regarding alignment with entities like the New York Stock Exchange, sleep researchers in Canada are unified in recommending sticking to Standard Time instead.
