WVXU: 'Springing' forward means more daylight but also more health problems and less sleep
UC expert says the time change is not good for our health
A Congressional committee heard testimony recently on the pros and cons of switching between standard and daylight saving time. Many people say they like having the extra hour of daylight, but sleep professionals say it's a bad idea.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is continuing the push to abolish daylight saving time. Research shows most people get an hour less sleep on daylight saving time. That has a host of health and safety implications.
In a story posted by WVXU, Ann Romaker, MD, of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and director of the Sleep Medicine Center at UC Medical Center, said the time change creates the potential for a variety of health problems.
Ann Romaker, MD, of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine/Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand
She says while you may look forward to an extra hour of daylight, it's not good for our health.
"We're already a sleep-deprived civilization and with less sleep there's more hypertension, there's more coronary disease, more motor vehicle accidents, etc.," she says.
She's says people should be extra careful when driving.
"We should probably slow down a little bit because we and other drivers on the road are somewhat sleep deprived so we're not going to stop as well," she says. "In addition to what we can do to mitigate sleep problems we also should slow down and watch out for each other and be a little more patient and try to mitigate road rage."
Romaker says getting up an hour early on Sunday so you're ready to go to bed at what would be your normal time, may help ease the transition.
Romaker was also interviewed for a story posted by Local12 about move in Congress to make daylight saving time permanent. See that coverage here.
Lead image/Rayia Soderberg/Unsplash
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
Make Hoxworth Blood Center’s special holiday events part of your family celebrations this December
December 12, 2025
This December, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is inviting families across Greater Cincinnati to add something truly meaningful to their holiday traditions: giving the gift of life. With festive community events, beloved local partners and special thank-you gifts for donors, Hoxworth is making it easier, and more heartwarming than ever, to roll up your sleeves and help save lives close to home.
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.