NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's that time again, to spring forward into Daylight Saving Time, but the topic has been highly contested and lawmakers have even introduced bills into state legislature to do away with the practice.
According to a professor at Vanderbilt University, it can do more than just make you tired.
Assistant Professor of Neurology Althea Shelton says disrupting your internal clock can impact your mood, behavior, temperament, and even your ability to pay attention and concentrate.
A recent study by the University of Colorado found that on the Monday following the time change, a person's risk of having a heart attack increases by 25 percent compared to other Mondays throughout the year.
Experts suggest going to bed a little earlier each night leading up to the time change to help combat any negative side effects.
Below is a list of other things a person can do this weekend to make the transition a little easier:
- Don't oversleep this weekend.
- On Sunday take just an hour nap.
- Start going to bed 15 minutes earlier at night.
- Avoid bright lights in the evening as well as alcohol and caffeine.
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
- Get morning exercise in sunlight this weekend.
- Eat an early breakfast and dinner Saturday night.
- Eat a good breakfast on the Monday morning after the time change.
