Attention night-owls! What time is it? Dont forget to Spring forward and be careful...

Attention night-owls! What time is it? Dont forget to Spring forward and be careful. Accidents increase after the time change. JR

Transitions into and out of daylight saving time compromise sleep and the rest-activity cycles

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of transition out of and into daylight saving time on the rest-activity cycles and sleep. Rest-activity cycles of nine healthy participants aged 20 to 40 years were measured around transitions out of and into daylight saving time on fall 2005 and spring 2006 respectively. Rest-activity cycles were measured using wrist-worn accelerometers. The participants filled in the Morningness-Eveningness and Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaires before starting the study and kept a sleep diary during the study.

Results

Fall transition was more disturbing for the more morning type and spring transition for the more evening type of persons. Individuals having a higher global seasonality score suffered more from the transitions.

Conclusion

Transitions out of and into daylight saving time enhanced night-time restlessness and thereby compromised the quality of sleep.

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