Can Daylight Savings Time Lead To Sleep Apnea?
Did you know that your dentist can help you with snoring and sleep apnea issues? About 50 percent of the population snores at some point in their lives, and snoring becomes more of an issue as you get older. Just under 20 million Americans suffer with sleep apnea. While snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea, everyone who snores does not have the condition. Over the years, daylight savings time begins and ends, and this year it ends at 2 a.m. this coming Sunday morning (Nov. 3). While most of us Americans will celebrate an extra hour of sleep, others may become tired during the days and have difficulty sleeping at night. Can daylight savings time lead to sleep apnea? Read on to find out!
What is Daylight Savings Time?
The idea of daylight savings time originally began in 1784 and was the brainchild of Ben Franklin. Its intent was to economize on sunlight and burn fewer candles during dark winter mornings and nights. �It wasn�t until 1966, however, when the U.S. Congress passed the Uniform Time Act to save energy that it came to be observed.
Its Affects
While there are several effects on human health as a result of the change in time sleep apnea does not seem to be one of them. However, research has shown the following:
Work place injuries: Research studies have shown that general laborers experience more frequent and more severe workplace injuries at the beginning of daylight saving time in the spring. This does not seem to be the case, however, in the fall.
Heart attacks: A Swedish research study found that the rate of heart attacks during the first three weekdays following the start of daylight savings time increased by about 5 percent compared to other times of the year. Again, this effect was only apparent in the spring and was attributed to the changes in sleep patterns. Lack of sleep can release stress hormones which increase inflammation which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack in those already suffering from heart problems.
Headaches: According to the New York Daily News, the transition in and out of daylight savings time messes with your circadian rhythm and can cause debilitating chronic pain in certain people in the form of cluster headaches (headaches on one side of the head). The pain can be excruciating and last for day or weeks.
Although daylight savings time does not seem to lead to sleep apnea, if you feel that you or someone you know suffers from this condition, call Dr. Hutto today!