DST - Daylight Saving Time
What are the benefits and health implications of the clocks changing at this time of year? So we may be losing an hour in bed , but it does give rise for other reasons to be cheerful.....
You'll walk more - More daylight hours not only makes driving easier and safer but it also makes people want to walk more, which is good news given the many health benefits of walking.
Ditch those unwanted pounds - increased exercise of course means increased calorie burn. It is also thought increased intake of vitamin D—a vitamin bioavailable through sunlight—to sufficient levels also helps with weight loss.
Mood Boosting Sunrises - The later sunset is an obvious benefit of the time change, but so is a later sunrise! A study found that waking up in relation to the sunrise decreases a person's chance of
depression.
Seasonal Depression (SAD) is likely caused by a "biochemical change in the brain, triggered by shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter, For those suffering from seasonal depression specifically, the extra hours of sunlight can do a world of good.
Increased Vitamin Levels - There are countless benefits to UV ray exposure that we dismiss because of the harm caused by excessive exposure. That's not suggesting you skip the sunscreen, but it is saying that there are very real reasons to appreciate the sun—particularly its role in the production of Vitamin D, which promotes healthy bones, reduces blood pressure, and generally keeps you healthier overall.
You'll Sleep Better - The disruption caused by Daylight Saving Time (DST) can be a shock to your system, but it may benefit your sleep in the long run. increased exposure to sunlight can boost your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy. When you've got more sunlight in the day, you may find it easier to go to bed at a more reasonable hour.
You'll Drink Less - The long, cold days and nights of winter can make anyone look forward to a glass of wine or a night cap. Some research suggests that people tend to drink more from December through March than at any other time of year. With increased daylight naturally boosting your mood, you might find you have an easier time skipping that glass of chardonnay and given all the benefits of drinking less, not least of all
weight loss- that's good news!.
