Daylight Saving Time and Your Health: What the Research Shows

The biannual time change affects more than your alarm clock. Research suggests that daylight saving time (DST) transitions - particularly \"springing forward\" - can have measurable health effects. Studies have found a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday after springing forward. There is increased risk of stroke in the days following the time change, associated with higher rates of workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents, and disrupted sleep patterns lasting an average of 5 to 7 days. Why does one hour matter so much? Even a small shift in sleep timing disrupts your circadian rhythm - the internal clock that governs hormone release, digestion, body temperature, and alertness. People who are already sleep-deprived are most vulnerable. To minimize the impact when springing forward, shift your bedtime 15 to 20 minutes earlier for the 3 to 4 days before, prioritize light exposure in the morning to reset your circadian clock, avoid caffeine and screens in the evening, and maintain consistent meal times. The debate about eliminating DST continues in Canada. Several provinces have explored permanent standard time or permanent DST, but no Canadian province has finalized a change as of early 2026. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.