Daylight savings pros and cons during pregnancy

Mar 13

It’s that time of year again when we wind the clock forward in the quest for sunlight.

While some people look forward to daylight savings time (DST), others dread the disruption it can cause—particularly parents of young children.

But what impact does DST have on women during pregnancy?

Whether you are a first-time mom or have been through this before, it’s important to understand how this transition may affect you. So, let’s explore the daylight savings pros and cons and how you can best adapt to the shift.

Pros of daylight savings time

DST was initially introduced over a century ago in an effort to conserve energy post World War 1. Those who continue to support DST enjoy the lifestyle, health, and economic benefits that the transition offers.

Extended time to exercise

Exercising during pregnancy has many benefits for both you and your growing baby, but finding the time can be challenging for some women. The increased sunlight hours during DST can give you extra time to exercise after completing your daily schedule.

Regular physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to:

Reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
Help maintain a healthy weight
Improve mood and energy levels
Lower the chances of developing preeclampsia
Enhance sleep quality
Decrease gastrointestinal issues such as constipation

Improved safety

Many women don’t feel safe exercising outdoors once the sun has gone down. DST allows you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise in the evenings while the sun is still shining.

In addition, some studies have indicated that the increased visibility in the evenings experienced during DST decreases the risk of traffic accidents and pedestrian injuries.

Boosted Vitamin D levels

The increased sunlight exposure during DST can boost our Vitamin D levels. This vitamin is well known to support immune function and bone health in adults and plays an essential role in the healthy development of your baby. A deficiency in Vitamin D is also associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Cons of daylight savings time

While some may argue that springing ahead one hour improves their lifestyle and well-being, longitudinal research has shown that DST can have both an acute and long-term impact on health.

Disrupted sleep

When analyzing daylight savings pros and cons, the disruption of sleep and circadian rhythm feature at the top of the cons list.

Our circadian rhythm regulates sleep and other physiological functions such as appetite and mood. This natural rhythm is dependent on light exposure to maintain your sleep-wake cycle, with the body producing melatonin to induce sleep when the sun sets and cortisol in the morning to increase alertness in preparation for the day.

DST causes a misalignment between your internal circadian rhythm and the external environment. Darker mornings and more evening light may delay your sleep-wake cycle, resulting in fatigue in the morning and difficulty getting to sleep in the evenings.

Circadian rhythm misalignment has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and other health risks. For this reason, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has released a position statement declaring that DST should be abolished.

Increased risk of medical conditions

The disruption of sleep and circadian rhythm that occurs during DST can lead to an increased risk of medical conditions. The transition has been shown to cause cellular changes that can result in increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and diminished cognitive functioning.

In the weeks after the shift to DST, research shows an associated rise in:

Cardiovascular disease, with a 24% higher risk of heart attacks
Stroke rate, increasing by 8%
Mental health concerns, with an 11% increase in depressive episodes
Car accident injuries, including a 6% rise in fatalities

In addition, a recent study found an increase in complications related to pregnancy and childbirth occurring after the transition in spring.

Mood disturbances

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause some women to experience mood swings. This is because the rising levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone impact the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. This fluctuation in hormones may increase susceptibility to depression and anxiety.

The shift into DST in spring and out again in fall is associated with a rise in mental health concerns, particularly in those with a pre-existing condition or increased susceptibility. It is thought that disruption of the circadian rhythm and changes to the level of light exposure contribute to mental health problems during DST.

How to get the sleep you need

Exploring daylight savings pros and cons can often lead to heated discussions. Regardless of whether you are in favor of DST or not, it’s important to manage your sleep during this transition.

Try following these steps to help your body adjust:

Maintain a consistent sleep routine
Avoid exposure to blue light from devices at night
Spend time in the morning sunlight to help preserve your circadian rhythm
Gradually alter your bedtime and wakeup time in 15-minute increments during the transitions

If you find yourself struggling with the DST shift, reach out for support. The team at My Sweet Sleeper can help you get the sleep you need. We provide one-on-one personalized coaching and also offer a specialized virtual Maternity Sleep Class that you can complete at your own pace.

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