Most Canadians typically adjust to the transition between daylight saving time and standard time within a few days. However, sleep experts warn that the biannual time shift disrupts sleep patterns and negatively impacts the body’s internal clock.
Dr. Michael Mak, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, explained, “The internal body clock synchronizes with the external light-dark cycle. Any discrepancy between them can lead to significant health consequences.”
Experts, including Mak, advocate for a permanent switch to Standard Time over daylight saving time (DST) due to its alignment with natural body rhythms and health benefits.
Springing forward poses greater risks than falling back
Research indicates that the shift to DST in the spring, where an hour of sleep is lost, is more detrimental compared to gaining an hour in the fall. University of Ottawa associate professor Rebecca Robillard highlighted the increased health risks associated with the spring transition, such as heart attacks, strokes, and digestive issues.
Robillard emphasized that the population, already sleep deprived, faces challenges with the DST change, impacting various health aspects like pregnancy and childbirth.
Countries farther from the equator, experiencing significant variations in daylight hours throughout the year, utilize DST to make the most of extended daylight during spring and summer. However, Robillard noted that Canadians tend to sleep worse during DST, staying up later to enjoy the warmer weather and longer evenings.
Experts recommend adhering to Standard Time for better sleep patterns and health benefits.
Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde, accompanied by sleep experts, unveiled plans to present a bill to eliminate the semiannual time change.
British Columbia and Ontario have passed laws to permanently adopt DST to avoid the challenges of the biannual time adjustment, pending agreement from neighboring regions.
Robillard highlighted the consensus among Canadian sleep researchers to favor Standard
