DayLight Savings Time and Its Effects On Heart Health
The time to “spring forward” is almost here and the change of clock means negative effects on the body impacting the heart most.
A study by AHA Journal, shows emerging evidence of various sleep problems developing heart failure. People with the highest sleep scores have a 75% lower risk of heart health issues than people with the lowest scores.
Dr. Samir Fahmy, MD, Director of Sleep and Heart Health at NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County gave important tips to keep your heart and body healthy while you adjust to daylight savings time.
- Regularize sleep pattern - try to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday, even weekends.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine -- both are common causes of poor sleep.
- Avoid too much screen time before bed.
- Limit daytime naps to regulate your sleep schedule.
- Avoid heavy meals within a couple hours of bedtime.
- Practice daily physical exercise
- Start adjusting to the time change in advance by heading to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier each night.
- Expose yourself to morning light.