Counsel #19 — Shift In Time

Picture: Counsel #19 — Shift In TimeCWe 126.1

Each year, many people experience increased fatigue and grogginess after the shift to daylight savings time. This time change disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, creating unexpected public health risks. With the clock adjustment, sleep schedules are thrown off, which have been linked to a rise in motor vehicle accidents.CWe 126.2

Daylight savings time can also affect mental health, making it harder to regulate emotions and increasing the risk of mood disturbances. The shift often reduces focus, patience, and mental clarity, as well as impacting physical health. For instance, it can slow metabolism and trigger hunger hormones at times when you would usually be resting, leading to cravings for high-calorie foods and challenges in maintaining a healthy weight.CWe 126.3

To ease the transition to daylight savings time, try to get more exposure to natural sunlight and gradually adjust your bedtime to align with the new schedule, supporting better adaptation and well-being.^{[137]https://www.adventisthealth.org/blog/2019/march/reset-your-body-clock-daylight-saving-sleep-tips}CWe 126.4

“He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” Psalms 104:19 NIVCWe 126.5

“Irregular hours for eating and sleeping sap the brain forces.” Ellen White in The Youth’s Instructor, May 31, 1894CWe 126.6

Reflect: How is your body mentally and physically affected by daylight saving time?CWe 126.7