11/03/2025
When the clock “falls back” (typically the first Sunday in November in the U.S.), we return from Daylight Saving Time (DST) to Standard Time — meaning we gain one hour overnight.
Here’s the impact in different dimensions:
🧠 Health & Sleep
• Positive: You get one extra hour of sleep that night, which can slightly improve alertness and mood in the short term.
• Negative: The shift still disrupts circadian rhythms. It may take a few days for your body to adjust, leading to temporary insomnia, grogginess, or early waking.
• Sleep Disorders: People with insomnia, delayed sleep phase, or OSA may notice more sleep fragmentation or earlier wake times.
💡 Mood & Mental Health
• Less daylight in evenings → shorter days and longer nights can worsen mood and energy, and in some people trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
• Morning light exposure improves in the short term (sunrise earlier), which can help stabilize circadian rhythm — but the darker evenings often outweigh that benefit for many.
🚗 Safety
• More light in the morning → fewer morning traffic accidents.
• Darker evenings → increased pedestrian and car accidents in the late afternoon and early evening.
🧍♀️ Work & Productivity
• Some people feel more sluggish or off-schedule for a few days. Sleep timing, appetite, and exercise routines can shift.
🔄 Tip to Adjust Smoothly
• Get morning sunlight exposure to help reset your circadian rhythm.
• Avoid long naps or caffeine late in the day.
Disclaimer: This is an educational post and not medical advice. If you or your loved ones suffer from sleep issues, call Telemedora at 650-687-7368 or visit telemedora.com to find out how we can help or talk to your doctor. At Telemedora, we focus on bringing quality sleep care to you in the comfort of your homes in a timely manner.