It’s been days since Daylight Saving Time Started - Why do I still feel so tired?
You might feel that since Daylight Saving Time (DST) started, you feel terrible. It could be a coincidence (unlikely), it could be lingering effects of the time change. It could be an unmasking of a more serious issue.
Today March 14th, World Sleep Day, a day to celebrate and emphasize good health health, so let’s talk about DST and your fatigue.
Daylight saving time (DST) started for most of the United States on March 9, and will end Nov 2, 2025. The clock “spring forward” one hour in an effort to maximize daylight time in the afternoon/evening.
This is a tough transition for many people (adults and children alike) who are “losing” this hour of sleep as our clocks “spring forward.” Many parents tell me how they dread this switch; knowing their children will be more dysregulated and tired for several days after the change. For adults, the transition is associated with fatigue, stress and lower productivity. Studies have demonstrated a well marked increase in heart attacks, strokes and car accidents, and even self harm.
You may wonder - why do we even do this? Daylight saving time is an anachronism from the times of World War I and many scientists and physicians agree we should stop the practice. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers a clear position statement calling for the end of seasonal time changes in favor of a fixed, national, year-round standard time. Why Standard Time? Science shows that daylight saving time is less aligned with human circadian biology and the transition is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, metabolic syndrome and other health risks. This is important to note because while it is exciting to see congress considering a bill to consider an end to seasonal time change, the Sunshine Act is asking for permanent Daylight Saving Time which (according to the science) could result in a permanent misalignment
While we hope seasonal time shifts stop soon, there are things you can do to mitigate the ill effects. I have written about how to prepare for this time shift, trying to make the change more gradual - but like millions, you probably didn’t get a chance to gradually shift.
You may now find yourself still struggling, even after a few days have passed. Perhaps you were just hanging on before and this week tipped you over! You may be wondering if it’s normal for me to feel this crummy? In a word: no.
This might be a good time to consider why you may feel tired/exhausted .
This past week may have opened your eyes to some lurking issues—don't look away from what your health is showing you.
If you’re exhausted, please take it easy for the next week. Be kind to yourself, eat nourishing food, stay hydrated, incorporate gentle movement into your every day - and of course, incorporate healthy sleep habits. Then consider an evaluation with a health professional. In addition to screening for a sleep disorder, you may also consider if you may be at risk for a micronutrient deficiency. Low iron/ferritin, vitamin D deficiency, low B12 and low calcium can manifest as fatigue. Supplements may be indicated, but focusing on a balanced/colorful diet may be a good first step. A blood draw may needed to really assess the problem.
I’m sure you, like many others, are very busy and may want to just put your head down and keeping moving. but honestly? I think this is worth the time. DST may have turned up the volume on health concerns you've been ignoring or haven't been fully tuned into. Consider this an opportunity to listen closely and respond with meaningful steps toward improved well-being.
Sleep Well! Be Well!
Caroline Okorie, MD, MPH