Shocking Number Of People Suffer Heart Attacks After The Time Change

With a schedule like mine and a day starting at 3:30 am, the time changes are brutal.

It's not as bad in the fall when we drop back an hour but let me tell you in the spring; It takes me over a week to fully adjust and recover from the time bumping up an hour.

Trust me, I've tried all the tricks, such as going to bed earlier for a week and having a consistent bedtime, but no matter what, it takes me a significant amount of time to readjust.

I've published articles about some of the health impact of time changes in the past, but what shocked me is the massive uptick in heart attacks following time changes.

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Time Changes and Heart Attacks

A study by the American Academy of Neurology examined a hospital in Michigan, and it turns out that hospital visits increased significantly following the switch to daylight savings time.

This particular study highlighted that there was a 24% increase in heart attacks reported on the Monday following the time switch.

Another study out of Finland highlighted that there was an 8% higher risk of ischemic stroke following the time change.

Yet another study looked more generally at the issue and also found that, on average, heart attack reports increase on the Monday following a time change.

Researchers don't know exactly why this correlation exists between time changes and heart attacks, but according to experts with the American Heart Association, it's likely due to a connection between the body's internal clock and the circadian rhythm.

Time Change Tips From The American Heart Association

• Start preparing for a time change as early as possible and get ample natural light each day. This will help your body adjust its rhythm and adapt to the upcoming change.
• Start winding down a bit earlier each day before the time change. If you're well rested, the impact of the time change won't hit quite as hard.
• Although extra coffee or caffeine may seem like a good idea, following the time change, be a little extra careful as the caffeine increase is not good for your heart.

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