Summer Time, which begins on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October, takes advantage of the registration of a “greater insolation” in the Mexican Republic to reduce daily energy consumption during the period of maximum electricity demand.
For a few weeks, the Government of Mexico has considered the possibility to eliminate in this 2022 the Summer Time, of which he pointed out that there are damages to health.
In a report revealed after the Mexican president’s intention to eliminate the measure, the Ministry of Health asserted that the schedule change affects the nervous system to cause drowsiness, irritability and hinder attention, concentration and memory.
But it also causes digestive disorders such as increased secretion of gastric juice, diurnal decrease and nocturnal increase in appetite. Likewise hormonal disorders and general malaise.
But why is daylight saving time NOT healthy? This is what neurologists say
Light is the most powerful regulator of our internal clock, also known as our circadian rhythm. And it is possible that some people don’t even adjust to the time change after several months.
When the clocks on the wall go forward our exposure to morning sunlight is reduced, making it harder to wake up, and our exposure to afternoon light increases, making it harder to fall asleep. Chronic misalignment between the internal clock and work activities, family and social can be very damaging.
According to specialists:
“Switching to daylight saving time is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and increased hospital admissions for irregular heartbeats.”
THE BRAIN IMPACT
Every cell in our body keeps track of time, and changes in daily patterns can trigger stress on our brains and cause poor sleep, disorientation, and memory loss. It can also cause difficulties with learning, social interactions, and cognitive function in general.
Dark = sleepy + grumpy
Secondly, Lack of sunlight also suppresses the production of two important hormones: sleep-inducing melatonin and serotonin, the “happy chemical,” which plays a key role in balancing mood. In other words, we are more likely to be moody and tiredbut unable to fall asleep, in the days after daylight saving time.
A study showed that hospitals reported addressing a 11% more depressive symptoms right after the fall time change. The spring time change did not produce a similar result, supporting the idea that Sunlight does our mind and body good.
Tips for managing daylight saving time transitions
1. Make a gradual change
A few days before the time changes, go to bed and wake up 10 to 15 minutes later each day to help your body slowly adapt.
2. Stick to your sleep schedule
Once you change the clock, try to keep things as normal as possible. Get up and go to bed at your normal time. The same goes for your other daily routines, like eating and exercising.
3. Maintain good sleep hygiene
A healthy bedtime routine can do wonders for your sleep. Some good sleep hygiene habits to follow include go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Do not watch television or surf social networks; avoid caffeine and alcohol at night; and not exercising before going to bed.
4. Get out in the sun
Spending time outdoors during the dayEven if it’s just for a brisk walk during lunch, it can help stimulate your body. You can also sit by a window or try light therapy.
5. Limit your caffeine intake
You don’t need to skip your morning cup of coffee, but try not to overdo it if you’re having an afternoon slump. And definitely stay away from caffeinated drinks at night so you can fall asleep when you need to stay asleep.
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