Time change - mini jetlag?!

The effect of the change from summer to winter time is often similar to a mini-jetlag mini-jetlag. The body may need 3 to 14 days to adjust to the time change.
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And: studies have shown that setting the clock back in the fall offers us considerably fewer problems (an hour's gain in time) than in the spring, when the Time change one hour costs. "The 25-hour Sunday that follows the changeover is perceived by many people as particularly long and relaxing. Although the biorhythm is also upset here, the stolen hour in spring affects us significantly more," says Reto Etterli, prevention offers consultant at Suva. Nevertheless, the influence of the time change on sleep quality should not be underestimated, even in the fall.

Effect similar to mini jetlag

The effect of this time change is similar to that of a mini-jetlag: In the first few days after the time change, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, irritability, loss of appetite and digestive problems may occur. To cushion the physical effects of the upcoming change to winter time somewhat, the following recommendations from Suva will help:

• For optimal preparation before the time change, you should go to bed a little later every day - a quarter of an hour per day is already enough.
• Light is the most important zeitgeber. To calibrate the inner clock, a walk on the weekend helps - as late in the day as possible, but still in daylight.
• Bright artificial light in the evening helps to better cope with the time change to winter time. It is better to postpone visits to the cinema or dinner in a dusky restaurant.
• On the days following the time change, it is advisable to maintain a wake/sleep rhythm.
• A short nap during the day (e.g. a midday nap) does not help to cope better with the time change. On the contrary, it leaves you too tired to fall asleep in the evening.
• Caffeine and Alcohol consumption reduce before going to bed.
• Sleeping pills are not the solution during this changeover phase. The body may need 3 to 14 days to adjust to the time change.

Real danger occurs when the body has not become accustomed to the change even after a long time. If the quality of sleep suffers permanently, this has an impact on the Accident risk and health in general. A Suva study shows that employees who have too little sleep have more Accidents cause. For every fifth Occupational accident sleep problems are involved.

Test: SUVA