Millions of people across the globe adjusted their clocks this weekend for daylight saving time, but experts warn the shift can disrupt our body’s internal clock, raising the risk of heart disease. Staying up late, eating at irregular times, and exposure to artificial light before bed can also increase the likelihood of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure—all adding stress to the heart.
Dr. Kristen Knutson, a neurology professor, explains that circadian rhythms—our body’s 24-hour internal clock—regulate sleep, hormone release, digestion, and body temperature. Disruptions, even minor ones like staying up late or waking early, can trigger adverse health effects.
Misaligned sleep and meal times, night-time light exposure, and “social jet lag” can subtly affect blood pressure, hormone secretion, and metabolism, heightening heart attack risk. Research shows exposure to bright lights at night can increase cardiovascular risk by 23–56%, independent of genetics or sleep duration.
Dr. Knutson advises maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, eating meals earlier, getting morning sunlight, and exercising regularly to help synchronize circadian rhythms. Simple lifestyle adjustments may significantly improve heart and metabolic health.
As modern lifestyles increasingly disrupt biological clocks, experts stress the importance of listening to your internal rhythm to prevent long-term health consequences.
