Illinois Residents Might Be Healthier Without Daylight Saving Time

A new study suggests that eliminating Daylight Saving Time could improve overall health for residents in Illinois and across the United States.

Every year in Illinois, we go through the same routine: spring forward, lose an hour of sleep, and spend the next few days feeling a little off.  Feeling groggy might be more than just annoying... it could actually be affecting our health.

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Eliminating Daylight Saving Time could lead to better overall health for us.

When clocks move forward, our bodies basically experience a mini version of jet lag.  Instead of gradually adjusting, we're forced to wake up earlier than our internal clocks are ready for.  We lose about 40 minutes of sleep on average the first night, and many continue feeling the effects for days afterward.

Illinois Residents Might Be Healthier Without Daylight Saving Time

That lack of sleep doesn't just make us cranky, it can have serious health consequences.  Over the years, there has been a noticeable spike in heart attacks and strokes in the days immediately following the spring clock change.  Doctors believe the sudden disruption to sleep schedules can put extra stress on the cardiovascular system.

There are so many reasons changing clocks could be bad for us.

• Fatigue and reduced alertness
• 6% in fatal traffic accidents during the week of time change
• Irritability, anxiety, and depression

Because of these health concerns, more experts are questioning whether changing the clocks twice a year is really worth it.  While Daylight Saving Time was originally created to make better use of daylight hours, researchers argue that sticking to one consistent time year-round would be better for our bodies.

For now, Illinois will still move clocks ahead on Sunday.