Back Safety
February 12, 2020
Covid-19 Safety
March 17, 2020
Good Morning Team!
I thought I would send this short safety message a little early as a reminder that we’ll spring forward and move into Daylight Saving Time (DST) this Sunday. Which means at the very moment the clock strikes 2:00am that morning, it will magically be 3:00am instead. Congratulations, you’ve just lost an hour’s sleep! No matter your thoughts on why we continue to make this twice-yearly adjustment to our time clocks, doing so will affect our body’s own internal clock, otherwise known as our circadian rhythm, as well.
Some studies suggest that interference with our circadian rhythm can trigger underlying health issues such as an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. It can cause us to feel tired during our drive into work and tired drivers lead to more accidents. It has also been linked to an increase in workplace injuries and accidents, many of which were more severe, when compared with other Mondays, following the change to DST. Several strategies exist to make this change less intrusive, but they require a few days to set-up.
There are some simple things we can do to make it easier for our internal clocks to line up with what our time clocks are now showing.
- Set your alarm to wake up a little earlier than usual a few days before the DST switch. This makes it easier to get out of bed on that Monday morning.
- Eat a healthy breakfast first thing. Food tells your body it is the start of the day.
- Get into the light. Light, especially sunlight, helps to adjust and regulate your body’s own clock.
- Move your body. Moderate exercise in the morning can help to invigorate the body for the rest of the day. (Note: Don’t start, or overdue any existing, exercise program this coming Monday though.)
- If you have children, help them adjust, by putting them to bed a little bit earlier before the time change.
While being tired can decrease productivity, concentration and general well-being, most studies show that those effects pass quickly following a DST time change. Following the above recommendations and making sure that you are getting enough sleep in the first place can help us adjust as quickly as possible.
Stay safe!
Sincerely,
Ray Moore