Doctors explain how Daylight Saving Time could negatively impact sleep, health

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Daylight Saving Time (DST) forced us to lose an hour of sleep as we sprung forward this past March. But how is that loss of sleep affecting you to this day? Have you caught up on your rest?

Emily Pavlik, M.D., said although losing an hour of sleep may not seem like a lot, it can cause significant changes to our mental and physical well-being. “Most do not get the recommended amount of sleep, which is 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night,” Dr. Pavlik said. “So any amount of additional sleep loss can cause dangerous side effects while on the job or in a car, or negatively impact job or academic performance,” she said. Dr. Pavlik, a physician, who practices at Baptist Medical Center’s Emergency Department, said sleep loss can also contribute to heart and mood disorders, fertility problems or other conditions.

For more information, please contact: Natalie Gutierrez, 210-260-7250 (C) or email [email protected].