Are there any benefits to changing the time? Albertans are still complaining

For better, worse or indifferent, daylight saving time returned March 10 when most Canadians will notice on their smartphones that time has suddenly passed quicker than they may have thought after a nocturnal visit to the bathroom or to let the dog out.

At 2 a.m. that Sunday when many of us are asleep, the time will suddenly leap ahead an hour and if we’re on a schedule, we’ll be awakening sooner than the day before. I don’t know about you but I’m increasingly finding this twice annual ritual a bit tedious.

I know by now we should all be able to easily change the clocks on our stoves and in our vehicles but do we actually?

I get that DST is intended to provide us with the maximum amount of daylight but does anybody really care anymore? Are people going to stay outside longer because it’s a bit lighter out and if so what impact is that going to have on them the next day?

DST was first adopted in the world by Port Arthur, Ont. – now part of Thunder Bay – back in 1908. Over the decades it has been tried, and sometimes dropped, by countries around the world, Canada being among the few which still implement the practice in most jurisdictions, Saskatchewan being the obvious exception. The benefits of DST certainly seem to be debatable. Google the subject and you can find a whole range of opinions with some suggesting energy is conserved with longer hours and traffic fatalities reduced.

But studies have shown clear detriments to health with the change including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, which is kind of concerning to me given my age and impending graduation into official seniorhood.

According to John Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, DST impacts the sleep patterns of hundreds of millions of people – in the U.S. alone.

Aside from the heart attack and stroke risk, the “change is also associated with a heightened risk of mood disturbances and hospital admissions, as well as elevated production of inflammatory markers in response to stress.” says the university. And contrary to some opinion it states that the risk of fatal traffic accidents actually rises by six per cent.

And energy consumption may actually rise with more daylight prompting people to run cooling or heating systems longer.

According to the university, a 2020 study shows the change “exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.” So I guess I’ll be slamming more coffee come Monday and sinking lower when the Leafs lose. The university also states that having more light closer to bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep, reducing the amount of sleep we get.

For me, this is hugely problematic being a super early riser. I need that sleep to function properly at a high level because I literally hit the ground running when I get up. A quick shower and coffee and I’m out the door to walk then hit the office. My body can’t deal with the stress of less sleep and as I age I find myself crashing and burning much earlier than even a few years ago.

And that can’t be good for the health. Speaking of which John Hopkins states that not getting enough sleep can reduce cardiovascular health, increase diabetes and obesity, cause mental health issues and reduce cognitive performance.

It seems to me from the extensive amount I’ve read on this subject, this is a matter Canadian provinces need to seriously investigate for the benefit of their residents. Maybe it’s time to follow Saskatchewan’s lead and put the time change to rest so we can get a little more rest ourselves.