Time change: Mini jet lag is making many Germans sick!

Time change: Mini jet lag is making many Germans sick!

The time change causes considerable inconvenience for many people. While some do well with a cup of coffee and a short nap, others suffer serious health consequences. Experts shed light on the background of this phenomenon.

The change of one hour, whether forward or backward, is often perceived as insignificant. But the human body reacts more sensitively than you think. According to a DAK survey from 2019, around 29 percent of respondents complained about health problems after the time change, with the proportion among women even reaching 35 percent. The symptoms are often similar to those of jet lag, which typically occurs when traveling to different time zones.

Health effects of the time change

Scientific studies confirm the influence of the time change on our bodies. Studies by the Institute for Medical Psychology at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich show that we have an internal clock that controls our body functions. This internal clock reacts to daylight, which influences our sleep-wake cycle. When it's dark, the body produces melatonin, a hormone that promotes tiredness. Daylight, on the other hand, releases cortisol, which makes us awake.

These hormonal changes cause the time change to disrupt our natural rhythm. During the winter, it gets dark earlier in the evening, which leads to faster exhaustion. In contrast, many people notice the change to daylight saving time particularly strongly because they often have to get up early in the morning in the dark, which makes the adjustment more difficult. The time it takes the body to get used to the new lighting conditions varies greatly. While some recover in just one or two days, for others it can take up to two weeks, especially in more sensitive groups such as children or the elderly.

Common complaints associated with “mini jet lag” include:

• Müdigkeit
• Probleme beim Einschlafen
• Konzentrationsschwierigkeiten
• Schwankungen der Herzfrequenz
• Appetitlosigkeit
• Verdauungsprobleme
• Reizbarkeit
• Leichte depressive Verstimmungen

Studies from the USA also show that the number of fatal traffic accidents and medical errors increases after the time change, probably due to the reduced ability of many people to concentrate in the days afterwards. Although a higher risk of heart attacks due to the time change has been cited, the results are controversial and depend on many factors that were often not taken into account in the studies.

To prepare the body for the upcoming time change, experts give some helpful tips. When transitioning to winter time, it is advisable to spend as much time outside in daylight as possible to reduce fatigue. Exercising in the fresh air stimulates circulation and metabolism, which is particularly beneficial in the colder months.

The change to daylight saving time is more challenging because an hour of sleep is lost. Scientists recommend gradually changing bedtimes by 15 minutes four days before the change. This makes it easier for the body to adjust to the new time without causing severe discomfort.

Sleep doctors also recommend staying in bed a little longer the day after the change to give your body the rest it needs. If you have sleep problems, relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation can help. Nutrition also plays a crucial role. It is better to avoid heavy meals in the evening and alcohol so as not to impair the quality of sleep.

News from experts shows that light also has a positive effect on mood. It could even be considered a type of drug to activate the body.

For further information on the health effects of the time change and helpful tips, see the article on www.infranken.de.