One less hour of sleep translates to 8 months of extended daylight
This Sunday marks the beginning of daylight saving time—when clocks spring forward and Americans are cheated out of an hour of quality sleep. But adjusting your clock may result in more than just a groggy Monday. It can influence everything from your morning commute to your risk of prostate cancer.
So before you spring forward this Sunday, here’s a look at the bright side of the displaced hour.
A safer drive: People are safer on the roads when it’s light outside, and numerous studies have linked DST with reduced car accidents. In fact, one study found that if we stuck to DST year-round, we would prevent about 195 deaths of car riders and about 171 pedestrian fatalities annually.
An outdoor workout: The added hour of daylight means you have more time to fit in an outdoor workout. Hit the pavement, go for a bike ride, or add 30 yards to your drive—it’ll be a lot easier to squeeze in 18 holes before dinner now.
A cancer-fighting boost: Increased exposure to sunlight can also boost vitamin D, which not only helps our bodies use calcium and is crucial to bone strength, but low vitamin D levels may increase the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
A reason to visit Hawaii: If all of the above aren’t enough for you to welcome DST, pack your bags and head to Hawaii. Along with Arizona, the Aloha State doesn’t shift the clock.
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