Daylight Savings Time (DST) can feel like an outdated and confusing practice, particularly to those who are already navigating complex health journeys like cancer survivors. The concept may seem simple—adjust the clocks to gain an extra hour of evening daylight. However, its effects, especially on women who have endured the trials of cancer, can be profound, often unsettling our body’s natural rhythms and impacting our overall well-being.
Many of us might grumble about the annoyance of changing our clocks, but for me, the advent of DST is especially troubling. It’s not just about losing an hour of sleep—it’s about how this shift can knock our internal clocks out of balance, sometimes for weeks or even longer. Recent studies have highlighted the startling uptick in heart attacks and strokes following the March time change—a harrowing reminder that the effects of DST can be far more serious than merely feeling out of sorts.
For those like us—the resilient women who have faced cancer—this semiannual time shift can feel like yet another hurdle in our ongoing health battles. The disruption of circadian rhythms can send our bodily functions into disarray, raising heart rates, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. This isn’t just about discomfort; it’s about health risks, with evidence suggesting connections to higher rates of cancer, mood disorders, and even accidents.
Physical activity is a crucial element of recovery and long-term health for cancer survivors, but DST has a sneaky way of undermining our best intentions. Fatigue from disrupted sleep makes it all too easy to skip that post-work jog or morning workout. And it’s not just about tired muscles—higher cortisol levels, triggered by lack of sleep, can lead to rapid weight gain and muscle weakness.
If you have an underlying health condition like high blood pressure, the added risk factors that come with DST are not something to take lightly. Consult your physician on strategies to manage and mitigate these impactful changes—you don’t have to go it alone.
Some historical context can help us understand the persistence of DST. The practice started over a century ago as a way to conserve energy during World War I, with the thinking that extended daylight hours would reduce the need for artificial lighting. But today’s world has evolved with technology and lifestyle changes. Yet here we are, still winding the clocks twice a year—much to many people’s chagrin.
Critics of DST, like myself, question its relevance, considering the toll it takes on health and productivity. Why do we cling to a system that seems only to disrupt our natural rhythms? The main argument supporting DST is the purported benefit of additional daylight during waking hours, which supposedly encourages more recreational time and economic activity.
But at what cost? For cancer survivors, whose health and recovery are paramount, the debate feels deeply personal. We understand the value of consistent rhythms and stable routines—foundation stones for rebuilding health.
The road to altering or even abolishing DST will not be easy or quick. It hinges on both political will and public consensus—and on raising awareness about its impact on health and quality of life. Questions of its relevance remain, and many positions on both sides of the fence need to be heard before change can come.
Still, hope is on the horizon. Several states and countries have been questioning the practice actively, taking legislative steps to dismiss the anachronistic tradition. Our collective voices as cancer survivors, advocating for the prioritization of health over habit, can form a powerful part of this movement.
If my reflections resonate with you, or if you have your own experience with DST that you’d like to share, I encourage you to reach out. Connect with me via the site contact form or drop a message at Sunshine.Theory.com. Together, we can shed light on the importance of harmonizing our lives with our natural rhythms—not against them.
Adjusting our clocks shouldn’t mean disrupting our health. The ongoing debate around Daylight Savings Time has opened up critical questions about how this age-old practice affects us all—especially those living beyond cancer.
Ease into the time change by gradually adjusting your bedtime. Start going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night a few weeks prior to the clocks going forward, increasing incrementally until your body adapts.
Spicy foods, caffeine, and smartphones are not conducive to quality sleep. Instead, unwind with a book or simply relax in a quiet space to help your body ease into slumber.
Switch your exercise routine to morning hours during the shorter days of fall and winter, soaking up that precious sunlight to boost serotonin levels and enhance your mood.
Just like bedtime, meal times should be adjusted gradually. Keep your 7 p.m. dinner time by shifting it in small increments as you approach DST.
Combat the winter blues by engaging in creative hobbies. Achieving goals in any area can boost your mood and improve mental health.
