{"id":14063,"date":"2023-11-16T19:04:57","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T19:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jboitnott.com\/?p=14063"},"modified":"2023-11-16T19:04:57","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T19:04:57","slug":"the-hidden-dangers-of-daylight-saving-time-and-how-entrepreneurs-can-cope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jboitnott.com\/zh\/the-hidden-dangers-of-daylight-saving-time-and-how-entrepreneurs-can-cope\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hidden Dangers of Daylight Saving Time, And How Entrepreneurs Can Cope"},"content":{"rendered":"

November 5 is right around the corner. That means it’ll be time to turn your clocks back an hour to observe the end of daylight saving time (DST). Daylight saving time<\/a>\u00a0was created to maximize the daylight hours during the spring and summer months, but switching back and forth can take its toll on the human body.<\/p>\n

That may be why the U.S. Senate introduced the\u00a0Sunshine Protection Act<\/a>\u00a0to make DST permanent nationwide. Although it stalled in the House in 2022, future votes could finally bring change to the U.S. Until then, it’s important to understand the hidden dangers of adjusting the clock twice each year.<\/p>\n

Here’s\u00a0what entrepreneurs should know<\/a>\u00a0about the dangers of the time change.<\/p>\n

The health risks of disrupted sleep<\/h2>\n

A growing body of research highlights the health risks of disrupted sleep. Your body has an internal clock known as its\u00a0circadian rhythm<\/a>. This clock regulates your sleeping patterns, metabolism and even your body temperature. The time change disrupts that clock, which can result in the following:<\/p>\n

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Sleep deprivation<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The most immediate effect is\u00a0sleep deprivation<\/a>. It takes time for your body to adjust to your new bedtime. Although your body will adjust in two weeks or less, in the meantime, you might experience fatigue or difficulty focusing.<\/p>\n

Cardiac issues<\/b><\/p>\n

Technically, the time change doesn’t cause cardiac issues, but the switch to\/from DST has been correlated with an\u00a0increased risk of heart attack or stroke<\/a>. If you already have cardiac issues, the time change can make them worse.<\/p>\n

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Metabolic disruption<\/b><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Your circadian rhythm also regulates your metabolism. Disruption can result in a slower metabolism, which may also lead to weight gain. That’s right \u2014 resetting the clock can have a measurable impact on your waistline.<\/p>\n

Increased evening car accidents<\/h2>\n

The time change takes its toll on the human body. It can also have an impact on the country’s freeways.<\/p>\n

Daylight saving time and car accidents<\/b><\/p>\n

Switching to DST each spring yields a\u00a06% increase<\/a>\u00a0in auto accidents. Switching back each fall yields a whopping\u00a016% increase in deer-related car accidents<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This increase is partly due to the reduced visibility in the evening hours. The fall also brings a change in animal behavior, which means that drivers may encounter more deer on the roads. Additionally, the shift from DST increases the number of sleep-deprived drivers on America’s roadways. Combine these factors and you have the perfect conditions for more accidents.<\/p>\n

Tips for your commute after DST ends<\/b><\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs don’t always get to choose what time of day they will be on the road. Here are a few ways to adjust your driving habits to stay safe following the time change:<\/p>\n