Daylight Saving Time can harm your health. Do we need it?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Daylight Saving Time gives us an extra hour of sleep with the fall time change. But doctors say different sleep times can cause a variety of health issues, most centered on sleep disruptions.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, the clocks "fall back." It'll be lighter earlier in the morning, and darker earlier in the evening.
"Regular sleep-wake patterns are really important for overall health and physical functioning," says Dr, Lauren Daniel of Rutgers University-Camden.
Exposure to light and darkness controls our internal clocks, so they don't do so well with time changes.
"This shift is challenging for our circadian rhythm to constantly adjust to, and the adjustment to different amounts of daylight in the morning can pose a threat to our health," Daniel added.
Considering those threats to health, lawmakers have debated whether the long-standing tradition of Daylight Saving Time should be eliminated.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine agrees with eliminating seasonal time changes, and instead recommends year-round permanent Standard Time.
That would give more light in the morning and less at night, aligning more with our bodies' internal clocks.
"Our first morning light exposure is kind of what we need to get our clocks set for the rest of the day," Daniel continued.
Doctors say the time transition will be easier if you gradually shift your internal clock by adjusting sleep and wake times by 15 or 20 minutes a few days before the time change
"It might seem like it's a small change. It might seem like, 'Gosh, I get this extra time to sleep in,'" said neurologist Dr. Marri Horvat. "But it really can have detrimental effects, and especially on our mood overall."
Daylight Saving Time tips for parents
Doctors say it's also important to gradually shift sleep schedules for kids.
Let them stay up a little later this weekend! That way, the time adjustment won't be as difficult Monday morning, when it's time to go back to school and work.
