Daylight Savings Time starts March 8, 2015. This is the time of year where folks lose one hour of sleep overnight while the clock change occurs. Although it may not seem like much, losing that one hour of sleep can make a big difference in your mental and physical health.
In fact, according to Swedish researchers, heart attacks rise the first three weekdays following the spring time change. The researchers attributed the surge to changes in people’s sleep patterns. Lack of sleep causes the release of stress hormones, which increases inflammation. This is dangerous to someone who already has underlying cardiac conditions.
Car Accidents Are a Side Effect of Daylight Savings Time
Along with the rise in heart attacks, Daylight Savings Time also causes a rise in car accidents, and here’s why:
- Decreased alertness. If you feel like a zombie after losing an hour of sleep, you’re not alone. Now imagine all the drivers in your area feeling like zombies and getting behind the wheel. A scene like this is truly reminiscent of a horror film. Lack of sleep and changes in a person’s circadian rhythm can dramatically alter alertness, which increases the chances of a fatal accident occurring.
- Increased drowsiness. Falling asleep behind the wheel is dangerous, and your chances of doing so increase when sleep is taken away from you due to Daylight Savings Time. Driving while drowsy also increases your reaction time, meaning you may not press the brakes as quick as you would normally, which could cause a serious accident.
- Decrease in focus. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to lose focus on what is important. While driving, you may find yourself paying more attention to what’s happening on the side of the road or in your vehicle, as opposed to what is occurring on the road in front of you. Daydreaming is also more common when you’re tired.
Were You Injured in an Accident?
Did lack of sleep cause another driver to hurt you in an accident? If so, you may be entitled to receive compensation. The attorneys of Tavss Fletcher have helped many in the Virginia Beach area get the money they deserve from accident-related injuries, and may be able to do the same for you.