Last updated: May 30, 2025

Twice a year, daylight savings time (DST) shifts our clocks, and with it, our internal rhythms. While the adjustment may seem minor, the health effects can be significant, especially in older adults. Seniors are more vulnerable to disruptions in sleep, routine, and overall well-being that can be cause by the time change.

Below, explore how DST can impact senior health, from sleep quality and fall risk to mood and cognitive function, and learn how to ease the transition safely and comfortably.

Increase of heart attacks and strokes

A study published in Open Heart found a 25% jump in the number of heart attacks occurring the Monday after daylight savings.The one-hour loss of sleep and the Monday morning stress could affect those that already suffer from heart problems. The opposite is true for fall time change. There is a decrease of heart attacks following the end of DST.¹

‘Spring forward’ and ‘fall back’ time changes have been known to contribute to an acute increase in heart attacks and stroke, as well as lower mood and higher stress.²

Before the DST time change, try to move your bedtime slightly earlier each day so the loss of sleep isn’t so sudden.

Fatigue and decrease of productivity

The loss of sleep can cause fatigue and a loss of productivity.  When we are tired, we tend to lean into that fatigue, lose focus and engage in activities like surfing the internet or watching TV. Overuse of devices and online activity can impair our ability to sleep causing additional disturbances and fatigue. If you start to feel fatigued, try to take a nap earlier in the day (not too late). Try to limit the use of devices especially close to bedtime – reading a book or magazine instead might be a good alternative.

A surge in accidents

Insufficient sleep and disruptions to sleep patterns have been tied to related accidents. Our society is already sleep deprived and the loss of sleep that comes with DST is thought to create an increase in car accidents and other accidents in the home or work. Studies have found that the time change raises the risk of fatal traffic accidents by 6%.²

The other contributing factor is the loss of light in the morning when we wake up. Our biological clocks are affected by this, and when disrupted, it can lower cognitive performance.² There are ways to combat this by purchasing an alarm clock that slowly brightens as you wake up.

Mood disturbances

Depression and sleep problems are closely linked. Those who are sleep deprived are more likely to develop depression. And those that experience depression have a hard time falling and staying asleep. To help combat the cycle during the time change, take advantage of the benefit of daylight savings—the extra hour of light. Try to get outdoors to go for a walk and simply enjoy the sun.  Enjoy the company of others whether it’s a phone call or an outdoor coffee break. Companionship can be key to combating low mood.

While the change in time has some benefits, there are some negative effects to our health that can occur. Be sure to understand what your risks are and follow some of the tips above on transitioning to the time change.

Sources

1. Gurm S., H., Seth, M., Gurm, H. S. (2014, March 19). Daylight Savings Time and Myocardial Infarction. Open Heart. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25332784/
2. Coulson, M. (2023, March 9). 7 Things to Know About Daylight Savings Time. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2023/7-things-to-know-about-daylight-saving-time