Health
Trump's daylight saving time plan and sleep: What you must know
President-elect Donald Trump wants to do away with daylight saving time (DST), a move that some experts say could improve health and wellness.
Trump announced the goal in a post on Truth Social last Friday.
“The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t!” he wrote. “Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation.”
‘I CAN’T SLEEP BECAUSE OF RACING THOUGHTS AT NIGHT — HOW CAN I STOP THEM?’: ASK A DOCTOR
With rare exceptions, the vast majority of the U.S. follows DST, which mandates adjusting clocks forward one hour in the spring (the second Sunday in March) to extend daylight during summer evenings.
In the fall (the first Sunday in November), the clocks are turned back to standard time.
President-elect Donald Trump wants to do away with daylight saving time (DST), he announced in a post on Truth Social. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon; iStock)
The practice was first introduced in 1918 with the Standard Time Act, a wartime measure designed to conserve energy during World War I, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
It was again implemented in 1942 during World War II to conserve fuel and “promote national security and defense.”
For two decades, the rule was not enforced, until Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, a federal mandate that established daylight saving time.
Doing away with disruption
Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, supports Trump’s aim to do away with DST.
“Honestly, it’s about time, no pun intended,” he told Fox News Digital. “The historical reason for DST doesn’t really matter anymore.”
“Honestly, it’s about time, no pun intended.”
Changing the clocks twice a year can cause disruptions in sleep patterns, which have been known to cause various health-related issues, according to Murray.
“Most of the issues occur in the springtime when transitioning to daylight saving time (losing an hour of sleep),” he said.
Changing the clocks twice a year can cause disruptions in sleep patterns, which have been known to cause various health-related issues. (iStock)
Several studies have shown that this change results in decreased sleep duration and increased fatigue during daytime hours, the doctor noted.
“This often affects cognitive performance and seems to slow thought processing,” Murray added.
Mood issues, particularly depression, have been shown to increase during time changes.
Several studies have shown that the time change results in decreased sleep duration and increased fatigue during daytime hours. (iStock)
“Several studies have also shown an increased risk of stroke during the first two to three days from the time switch,” Murray said.
“This correlates to the disruption in the circadian rhythm — and likely the overall stress it causes on the body.”
SLEEPY DURING THE DAY? IT COULD BE AN EARLY WARNING SIGN OF DEMENTIA, STUDY SUGGESTS
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., agreed that sleep quality might improve if daylight saving time is eliminated.
“The abrupt shift in time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue,” he told Fox News Digital.
“If daylight saving time is eliminated, it would help maintain a consistent sleep schedule, thereby reducing some of the issues stemming from poor sleep quality.”
One psychotherapist said his patients are more tired and less focused following the time change. (iStock)
Alpert said he notices the effects of the time change on his own patients each spring and fall.
“My patients are more tired and less focused, and often complain about an increase in stress,” he noted. “A stable time system could mitigate these effects.”
“The abrupt shift in time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue.”
“Ultimately, having a consistent time system would allow people to stay more alert, and we might see an increase in productivity.”
Consistent light and dark cycles are also critical for regulating the body’s circadian rhythm, Alpert pointed out.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Disruptions caused by daylight saving have been linked to an increase in mood disorders, which is consistent with what I see in my practice,” he said.
There could also be a decrease in accidents and workplace injuries, as studies show these often increase following the time change, according to the psychotherapist.
‘A seasonal shift’?
Despite the likely benefits, there could be a downside to eliminating DST, Alpert said.
“Shorter evening daylight hours could potentially affect people’s motivation to be active or social after work,” one expert said, noting that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn’t just a winter phenomenon. (iStock)
“Without daylight saving time, there would be fewer hours of sunlight in the evening during spring and summer. This could reduce opportunities for outdoor activities after work, which many people find enjoyable and beneficial for mental health,” he told Fox News Digital.
“I’d have real concerns about how this might impact people, especially people who have been prone to mood issues.”
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn’t just a winter phenomenon, the expert noted.
“Shorter evening daylight hours could potentially affect people’s motivation to be active or social after work.”
“People will adapt and adjust if a change is made — and will ultimately thrive.”
Also, given how long most Americans have been adjusting their clocks, it could be “difficult or even disorienting” for people to adjust to not having DST, said Alpert — “as for many people, it signifies a seasonal shift.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
“My guess is that if a change is made, there will be backlash, as the arguments for eliminating it are as compelling as those for keeping it,” Alpert predicted.
He added, “That said, over time, people will adapt and adjust if a change is made — and will ultimately thrive.”
Fox News’ Health newsletter brings you stories on the latest developments in health care, wellness, diseases, mental health and more.
TOP 3:
– Science reveals why women sometimes get “the ick” and feel disgusted by men.
– Nearly 900 million people under age 50 have an incurable and highly contagious STD.
– A specific type of cooking oil has been linked to colon cancer in a new study.
“The ick” describes a feeling of disgust toward the actions, appearances and other characteristics of someone’s partner, which experts say can have a “protective power.” (iStock)
MORE IN HEALTH
‘VERY DISTURBING’ – Flu vaccination rates are at an alarming low among U.S. children, according to health officials. Continue reading…
‘MIRACULOUS’ SURVIVAL – A breast cancer patient who was given 24 months to live says God led her to a cure. Continue reading…
GIFTS FOR EVERYONE – These 15 holiday gifts are hand-picked for dementia patients and caregivers. Continue reading…
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS
Fox News First
Fox News Opinion
Fox News Lifestyle
Fox News Health
Fox News Autos
Fox News Entertainment (FOX411)
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
Fox News
Fox Business
Fox Weather
Fox Sports
Tubi
WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE
Fox News Go
STREAM FOX NATION
Fox Nation
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Health
Common pain reliever could cause medical complications in some people over 65, study suggests
New research has revealed that a common medication might not be safe for everyone.
Acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol, is a pain reliever and fever reducer that’s often included in other drugs, such as cold and flu medicines.
The U.K.-based study — published in Arthritis Care & Research, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology — analyzed the safety of the drug in older individuals.
DEMENTIA REPORT REVEALS ‘SHOCKING’ SIGNS AT AGE 60 THAT YOU’LL DEVELOP THE DISEASE BY AGE 80
The researchers looked at data for more than 180,000 acetaminophen users compared to 400,000 non-users from 1998 to 2018.
The findings revealed that the use of acetaminophen – sometimes also called paracetamol – was associated with an increased risk of serious medical complications.
Acetaminophen may be found in cough, cold and flu medications, as well as in creams, gels, salves and even suppositories, one gerontologist noted. (iStock)
This includes peptic ulcer bleeding, uncomplicated peptic-ulcers, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
In a University of Nottingham press release sent to Fox News Digital, lead study author Professor Weiya Zhang, PhD, clarified that long-term use of the drug should be “carefully considered.”
MARTHA STEWART, 83, STAYS FIT AND FLEXIBLE WITH THIS ROUTINE
“Due to its perceived safety, paracetamol has long been recommended as the first-line drug treatment for osteoarthritis by many treatment guidelines, especially in older people who are at higher risk of drug-related complications,” he wrote.
“While further research is now needed to confirm our findings, given its minimal pain-relief effect, the use of paracetamol as a first-line painkiller for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered.”
“This is a good reminder that all medicines used chronically have side effects,” said one physician. (iStock)
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and senior medical analyst at Fox News, shared his reaction with Fox News Digital.
“It is generally accepted doctrine that acetaminophen is not associated with GI bleeding or advancing kidney disease, but the thinking is starting to change on this front,” said the doctor, who was not involved in the study.
“Yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications.”
There is evidence suggesting that acetaminophen “modulates the same cyclooxygenase-related pathways” as anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, which can “increase adverse GI side effects,” according to Siegel.
ANYONE OVER 50 SHOULD BE GETTING THESE 5 VACCINES, DOCTORS SAY
The large U.K. study, the doctor commented, is limited by “being observational,” as well as by an “inability to track over-the-counter as opposed to prescriptions, which were tracked.”
Another potential limitation was that some users had other contributing factors and behaviors, such as smoking and obesity.
“By inhibiting prostacyclin, it can increase the risk of bleeding,” a doctor warned about the drug. (iStock)
“Still, this is a good reminder that all medicines used chronically have side effects, and we are not always sure what they are,” he said. “This is why we continue to do post-market analysis and to re-evaluate medicines.”
He continued, “And yes, over-the-counter medications are still medications. Acetaminophen is well-known for its liver toxicity, but there are other side effects as well, as this study suggests.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Kenvue, Inc., maker of Tylenol, requesting comment on the study.
Risks for older adults
Gerontologist Dr. Macie P. Smith in South Carolina, who was not involved in the study, also reacted to the findings.
“I am happy someone is talking about the side effects of certain medications and how they disproportionately impact … those over [age] 65,” she told Fox News Digital.
OLDER AMERICANS TURN TO MARIJUANA FOR BETTER SLEEP AND PAIN RELIEF: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW
Several medications are not recommended for the older adult population, Smith said.
“Simply because they could tolerate the medications at a younger age does not mean their body can tolerate the same medications at an older age, since their body and brain will change as they age,” she noted.
People over age 65 should consult with their doctor before taking medications, experts advise. (iStock)
Some of the complications mentioned in the study, such as GI bleeding, hypertension and kidney disease, can increase the risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, even premature death, according to Smith.
“I would recommend that older adults consult with their primary care doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications, since acetaminophen can be found in cold and flu medications and in creams and [ointments],” she advised.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Anything that is identified as a medication or drug should be discussed with the doctor, as geriatrics is a specialized practice and those who fall under this category should receive specialized care.”
Smith also recommended that older adults use only one pharmacy, so the pharmacist can consult the patient’s “running ledger” of prescription medications.
“I would recommend that older adults consult with their primary care doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.”
“If someone over the age of 65 comes in for over-the-counter medications, the pharmacist can easily and quickly check for medication side effects and possible interactions between their prescription and OTC medications,” she said.
Older brains and bodies might not be able to handle the types of medication they could at a younger age, experts say. (iStock)
Acetaminophen in particular should be “taken with caution” and under the direction of a doctor for those 65 and older, she cautioned.
For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
Smith urged older individuals and their caretakers to “read the important information that comes with any and all medications.”
She added, “Don’t hesitate to speak to the pharmacist and/or your doctor about the risks and the benefits, then make an informed decision and choose well.”
Fox News Digital reached out to a number of drug manufacturers for comment.
Nevada lawmaker pushes for harsher animal cruelty laws after abuse, death of Reba the Bulldog
The next steps for housing advocates in 2025 • New Hampshire Bulletin
Drones banned in parts of New Jersey for one month unless issued permission
New Mexico 78-71 VCU (Dec 18, 2024) Game Recap – ESPN
A power grab by Republicans in North Carolina becomes a referendum on democracy in the states
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Massie comes out against Johnson retaining speaker's gavel: 'He does not have my vote'
Can toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad be brought to justice?
Wisconsin school shooting victims named as teacher Erin West and student Rubi Vergara
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to what happened to the interim spending bill
Arson at karaoke bar in Vietnam’s Hanoi kills 11, police say
-
Business1 week agoOpenAI's controversial Sora is finally launching today. Will it truly disrupt Hollywood?
-
Politics6 days agoCanadian premier threatens to cut off energy imports to US if Trump imposes tariff on country
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25782636/247422_ChatGPT_anniversary_CVirginia.jpg "Inside the launch — and future — of ChatGPT")
Technology1 week agoInside the launch — and future — of ChatGPT
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25789444/1258459915.jpg "OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change")
Technology5 days agoOpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever says the way AI is built is about to change
-
Politics5 days agoU.S. Supreme Court will decide if oil industry may sue to block California's zero-emissions goal
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25546252/STK169_Mark_Zuckerburg_CVIRGINIA_D.jpg "Meta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit")
Technology6 days agoMeta asks the US government to block OpenAI’s switch to a for-profit
-
Politics7 days agoConservative group debuts major ad buy in key senators' states as 'soft appeal' for Hegseth, Gabbard, Patel
-
Business4 days agoFreddie Freeman's World Series walk-off grand slam baseball sells at auction for $1.56 million