Later, Mexicans will set their clocks back one hour for the last time, as authorities have put an end to the Daylight Saving Time definitively. Although this means we will have one more hour to sleep, the time change has many other implications for our health and well-being, and here we explain what they are.

What is the circadian rhythm?
Have you ever heard about the circadian rhythm? This concept refers to the biological clock that we all have, which regulates our body from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that circadian rhythms are responsible for regulating “the changes in physical and mental characteristics that occur over the course of a day. (…) Your body's biological clock controls most circadian rhythms. This clock is located in a region of the brain called the hypothalamus.”

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Experts from this institution indicate that “signals from the hypothalamus travel to different regions of the brain that respond to light, including the pineal gland. In response to light, such as sunlight, the pineal gland suspends the production of melatonin, a hormone that causes drowsiness. Melatonin levels in the body usually increase after dark, which makes you feel sleepy.” It is noteworthy that the hypothalamus also controls body temperature and blood pressure, so it is not surprising that the time change affects us biologically.

As you can see, we all have a biological clock that tells us when we should be alert and work, eat, exercise, and spend time outdoors, while also signaling when it's time to go to sleep, so we must consider this to feel healthy and strong.

How does the time change affect us?
The circadian rhythm is governed by the time and amount of sunlight a person experiences during the day, but when Daylight Saving Time is implemented, the body receives less light, as when we leave home, it is still dark. By the time we return home, we have few hours of light. Inevitably, these changes affect the circadian rhythm, so it is common for many people to feel tired, fatigued, and not sleep well days after moving their clocks forward.

In addition to lack of sleep or trouble resting, the time change also triggers a series of health problems related to the heart, metabolism, and even emotional issues, which we explain below.

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The dangers of Daylight Saving Time
In addition to lack of sleep causing discomfort and drowsiness, various studies have found that after adopting Daylight Saving Time, traffic and workplace accidents increase, which is attributed to the hour of sleep we lose.

According to information published by the University of Michigan, Daylight Saving Time not only makes us lose an hour of sleep but also implies that certain people have difficulty sleeping at night and waking up in the morning, as well as a higher likelihood of suffering a heart attack.

As you know, we have an internal clock, which is mainly regulated by light; however, not everyone can easily transition from one time to another, leading to sleep disorders that can last for months: “When the clock changes, our exposure to daylight in the mornings is reduced, making it harder to wake up. While our exposure to evening light increases, making it harder to go to sleep,” according to Dr. Anita Shelgikar from the University of Michigan.

Furthermore, experts have found that the time change is associated with certain health issues, including insomnia, fatigue, and even changes in blood pressure. As for the long-term effects that Daylight Saving Time causes, they include the following:

Weight gain
Depression
Headaches
Slower metabolism

Although more scientific studies are still needed to determine why the time change affects our health and metabolism, the findings so far indicate the importance of getting enough sleep, as much depends on the hours we rest.

Additionally, the Sleep Foundation has issued the following recommendations to make the transition between time changes easier and thus reduce the effects on our health:

1. Do not have heavy dinners or many snacks before going to sleep.
2. Do not consume caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
3. Do not consume alcohol before going to sleep.
4. Establish a weekly schedule.
5. Make sure to sleep at least 7 hours every night.
6. Get some sunlight, as experts say that exposure to sunlight alleviates fatigue.
7. If you take a nap, it should not last more than 20 minutes.

Now you are ready to face the time change for the last time, and remember, it’s just a matter of organizing yourself and prioritizing your health.

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