Doctor Says You’re More Accident Prone Now Due to Time Change

If you’re not feeling quite yourself after losing an hour of sleep due to the time change… that is normal, and it can even be dangerous. 

KXL’s Annette Newell talked to a sleep expert, who explained we are more accident prone right now, because our frontal lobes are impaired from losing even just an hour of sleep.

Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, is an O.H.S.U. Associate Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine.  “Throughout this time there are certain tasks that require full concentration.   And if you’re not able to concentrate then you may be less likely to make good decisions,” she said.  That means a risk of,  “Drowsiness and driving early in the morning, and getting to an accident because you’re not able to focus.”

Her prescription to get you back on track both body and mind asap: involves messages your brain gets about light.  “Not using any screens or devices for at least two hours before your new bedtime.  And if needed where some blue blocking glasses and dimming your house lights.”

So here’s what she says we should do in the next few days.  “I would maximize your management of light.  The best thing would be to expose yourself to early morning sunlight. And bright light. And then decreasing your exposure to light in the evening.

She says it can take a week or even longer to adjust, so give yourself extra time, especially out on the roads.