We know that the change to summer time can be disturbing for the sleep-wake rhythm. Studies have even already shown that this change of time is more disturbing for our biological rhythm than the jetlag. This is why many doctors suggest that you anticipate the time change, by postponing the time you wake up, eat and go to bed by 15 minutes in the days preceding the change to summer time.
The stress of the time change
But this time, American scientists go further, claiming that switching to daylight saving time would have harmful effects on the heart. According to a study led by Dr. Amneet Sandhu, cardiologist at the University of Colorado at Denver, the number of heart attacks increases by 25% on the Monday after the daylight saving time.
If this study does not provide any precise explanation for this phenomenon, the researchers put forward the hypothesis of several factors which accumulate and which influence the heart rate: the stress caused by this change in our habits and a modification of the sleep cycle.
Other studies, in particular a study by Inserm, have already shown that the physiological changes associated with stress can have a harmful effect on health and double the risk of having a heart attack. Also, to fight stress and catch up on your possible sleep deprivation, why not give yourself a short 5 to 10 minute nap every day?
