Health Beat

The return of standard time can be bad for your health, even deadly. That's because it interferes with our biological clock and established, daily rhythms. Researchers find losing that hour of afternoon daylight can trigger mental illness, including bipolar disorder and seasonal affective disorder. A study published in 2017 in The Journal of Biological and Medical Rhythm Research found a link to miscarriage for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. And then there's the deadly consequence: carpedestrian accidents. According to researchers at Carnegie-mellon back in 2008, it's the delay in adjusting to the darkness that accounts for the accidents, particularly around dusk. So what can we do? For starters, if you do head out once the sun sets, remember to dress in reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Always assume you can't be seen, so improve the odds you will be. For overall well-being, stick to your regular bedtime and dinnertime, even though you may be tempted to move things up an hour. Resist the urge to stay up later the first few days after setting the clocks back because you'll end up losing that 'gained' hour when the sun rises. Maximize the daylight. You're encouraged to get outside for a walk or run. Open the blinds and curtains as soon as you wake to get as much daylight as possible. And be aware of what you're eating. The early darkness can trigger a desire to 'carb up'. Keep to your regular eating patterns.!

Benita Zahn, DPS, CHWC Health and Wellness Coach Host/producer Health BEAT/WNYT