00:00It's either your favorite or least favorite time of year when daylight saving time comes to an end and most Americans get an extra hour of sleep after clocks fall back.
00:10Yes, it'll mean darker evenings, but what about the impact on our bodies?
00:17It's a debate we've heard for years, one that even pushes lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to take action almost every year.
00:25It's a question of what do you care about more sunshine and joy and fun and money or health, mental health, physical health?
00:35Several studies have noted issues with mood disturbances, increased hospital admissions and even heart attacks and strokes.
00:43A study from Stanford University found most Americans would be healthier without daylight saving time, estimating it could prevent 300,000 strokes each year and 2.6 million fewer cases of obesity.
00:58Supporters of permanent daylight saving time argue more evening light could save energy, deter crime and give people more leisure time after work.
01:07But when a trial of permanent daylight saving time began in 1974, it didn't last.
01:13Many parents worried about their children heading to school in the dark.
01:17Because our bodies run on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, the shift in time is like mini jet lag.
01:24Even one hour can throw off your sleep cycle, cause stress in the body and over time contribute to health issues.
01:31Only two states don't observe daylight saving time, Arizona and Hawaii.
01:36And according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 63% of Americans would rather get rid of it altogether.
01:43But until that happens, there are ways to help your body adjust.
01:47If you can, go outside.
01:49If not, try to be in a brightly lit room as much as possible or sit by a window.
01:56This will help facilitate kind of shifting your clock faster in the fall.
02:02You can also prioritize sleep in the days leading up to and after the switch and get some movement during the day to help boost your sleep quality.
02:12Ultimately, be kind to your body.
02:15It can take up to a week or longer to fully adjust.
02:18So drink some water, get some rest and give yourself a little grace as your body plays catch up.
02:24For more on this story and others, head to san.com or download our mobile app.
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