BLOOMINGTON—Daylight Saving Time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, resulting in clocks falling back an hour and making evenings darker and faster.
“Studies have shown that Daylight Saving Times changes cause an increase in car accidents due to drivers being fatigued and driving at times where there is less light than they are used to,” said Drew Watters, MD, IU Health Bloomington Emergency Medicine physician.
Some tips for the time change include:
- Updating your clocks in advance
- Starting to adjust your sleep cycle a few days in advance
- Being extra vigilant when driving when it gets dark, wearing bright, reflective clothing, and carrying flashlights when walking in the evenings
Also, remember that your body might not adapt to the change right away.
“Try to adjust your daytime schedule for the first day or two, if possible,” said Dr. Watters. “Minimizing early morning obligations can help while everything gets back into rhythm.”
Ultimately, the doctor encourages everyone to focus on their daily life choices since the long-term effects are critical to your overall well-being:
- Eat healthy
- Get regular exercise
- Get good sleep
“That means putting the phone away at least an hour before bedtime,” said Dr. Watters.
