Effect of the Time Change
On Sunday, March 12, most US states advanced their clocks by an hour, giving an hour more of darkness in the morning and an hour more of daylight in the evening, which caused people to lose an hour of sleep. This change affects people in so many different ways, it can affect mental health and the most common effect, sleep schedules.
Both the beginning and ending of Daylight-Saving Time can disrupt sleep and mood, especially for those who are prone to feeling anxious or depressed. Sophomore Brynlee Gilliam is feeling more lethargic like most.
“The lack of sleep wears me down and I feel anxious that I won’t be able to focus on important things.” Gilliam said.
Ways that help feeling less out of touch during this time is to exercise, eat healthy, and follow a daily routine. Seasonal depression is a huge struggle for a lot of people, so the emotional disconnect that comes with time and daily life being thrown off, does not contribute positively. Junior Sophie Redeker combats being tired, feeling the seasonal change and sets back by exercise.
“I’m extremely tired all the time. I take two naps a day, more and more sleep and going to the gym regularly is how I try to make myself feel normal.” Redeker said.
Some people don’t really feel the effect of the time change for numerous reasons. The reason why sophomore Jennifer Latino isn't affected by this change is because of the time change between her country of Italy and America.
“Being a foreign exchange student and experiencing a lot of different time changes and jet lag makes it hard for me to realize things like losing that hour.” Latino said.
Something that seems so normal and insignificant in some lives can impact others in larger ways. Losing this hour of sleep and this disruption of life can seem so miniscule, but it could be something very altering in a classmate's life. So be cautious of emotions while people reset emotionally and physically, be mindful of others' minds.
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| Photo by Olivia Denny |
