Today marks the day when across the country we are participating in an outdated ritual of changing our clocks for Daylight Savings Time (DST).
For years scientists, health professionals, and activists have been warning of the unintended consequences of our existential battle against time. Last year, a new bill was introduced to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation titled Sunshine Protection Act.
Denver activist, Scott Yates has been promoting his #LockTheClock common sense campaign for the past 6 years and is now sharing a call-to-action in his new Change.org petition (Sign it HERE). While admitting that petitions are often dead-ends that only provide a fleeting "feel good" moment for keyboard warriors, Yates promises this one is different. He also reminds supporters that there is no need to donate, simply sign and share to help protect sunshine year-round!
Whether you sign it or not, the statistics don't lie - losing an hour of sleep is detrimental to your health. The next few days are when the worst effects are recorded, here are a few links from #LockTheClock blog,
On the Monday after the time change, here's what science tells us will happen for sure:
Heart attacks will go up. (New England Journal of Medicine, Sleep Medicine Journal)
Traffic accidents will be way worse. (American Economic Association, New England Journal of Medicine)
Workplace injuries will go up. (Journal of Applied Psychology)
Strokes will go up. (Circulation Journal)
Workplace productivity goes down. (Journal of Applied Psychology, and a helpful story here.)
We believe #LockTheClock is an important step in re-valuing sleep and rest in our society. Our mission is to help people across the country improve their lives by taking control of their sleep!
