Is Springing Forward Into Daylight Saving Bad for Your Heart?
Researchers discovered that pushing clocks back – giving people an extra hour of sleep – was connected with fewer heart attacks.
Welcome to the first work week after "springing forward" into Daylight Saving. How are you feeling? You may want to take it easy, according to Swedish researchers who have found that pushing clocks forward is linked to an increased number of heart attacks, especially Monday through Wednesday of the first week after the clock change.
Overall, according the Swedish team, there was a five percent increase in heart attacks in the first week after springing forward. Specifically, Mondays and Wednesdays saw a six percent jump. Tuesdays saw a 10 percent increase.
"The most plausible explanation for our findings is the adverse effect of sleep deprivation on cardiovascular health," the researchers wrote. "Our data suggest that vulnerable people might benefit from avoiding sudden changes in their biologic rhythms."
“Doctors have long known that Monday in general is the worst day for heart attacks, and they usually blame the stress of a new work week and increased activity,” according to an AP story about the Swedish study. Around 1.5 billion people live in countries that use daylight saving.
