AAN 2024 | Effect of daylight savings time on sleep

In this interview, Karin Johnson, MD, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA, discusses the negative effect of daylight savings time on sleep due to our circadian rhythms not adjusting to the time change and remaining aligned with the rising and setting of the sun. Difficulty falling asleep coupled with an earlier wake time leads to reduced sleep duration and quality, and this increases the risk of chronic disease, decreases alertness and cognition, and heightens the risk of events such as injuries and car crashes. Prof. Johnson emphasizes that public health policies can make a significant difference in the quality of life of individuals who are at high risk of sleep deprivation. For example, later school start times can allow adolescents to sleep longer and improve their academic performance, as well as reduce their risk of drug usage and mental illness. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting 2024 in Denver, CO.

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