The Daylight Saving Time switch is still in place despite some discussion about getting rid of it, and on Sunday, clocks will spring forward an hour. However, not everyone thinks the practice is necessary or useful in modern times.
Dr. Matthew Cambareri of West Taft Family Care described the practice of changing the clocks as outdated. “I don’t understand the need for daylight saving time anymore,” he said. “From what I understand, it started as a measure to get an extra hour of sunlight so farm work could take place and get an extra hour of sunlight later in the day, but in 2023, I just don’t understand it.”
Regardless of opinions on the matter, doctors say that the time change can have a significant effect on the body’s natural sleep/wake cycle. “Even a one-hour disruption, and the brain is going to have a hard time acclimatizing to that,” Dr. Cambareri explained.
To help children adjust to the time change, Dr. Cambareri advised gradually starting their routine 30 minutes early on Thursday night. Parents can also consider having their children wake up and go to bed earlier, as well as starting dinner earlier, to help maintain their schedule.
Once the clocks have changed, Dr. Cambareri acknowledged that there isn’t much that can be done except to ride it out. However, he emphasized the importance of being flexible and proactive in helping children adjust to the new time.
Despite the potential disruption to sleep schedules, Dr. Cambareri emphasized that a person’s well-being will not be greatly affected in the grand scheme of things.
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