Q&A: The science behind the fall time change
When clocks fall back this weekend, we'll gain an hour—but does that necessarily mean better sleep? Hannah Peach, a sleep health expert at UNC Charlotte, explains how the change from daylight saving time back to standard time affects our internal body clocks, why the fall transition is easier on our bodies than the spring change and how shorter days can affect our well-being. She also explains…
When the clocks turn back an hour this weekend, it means we gain an extra hour—but does that guarantee better sleep? Hannah Peach, a sleep health expert at UNC Charlotte, explains how the transition from daylight saving time back to standard time affects our internal body clocks. She notes that the fall change is generally easier on our bodies compared to the spring change, which can lead to increased sleep deprivation and negative effects like drowsy driving and impaired cognition.
While we may sleep an additional hour, it doesn't necessarily translate to improved sleep quality, as our bodies are unaware of the clock change. This effect is particularly noticeable in children, whose circadian rhythms are less attuned to the altered schedule. The fall time change, while less disruptive than the spring change, may still impact our overall well-being by affecting seasonal depression linked to shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure.
Most people adjust to the new schedule within one to two weeks, but difficulties can arise if our internal body clocks don't align with work or school routines. According to Peach, permanent standard time could be beneficial, particularly for children and adolescents, as it eliminates the springtime disruption.
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