Published in:
Open Access
01-08-2018 | POINT OF VIEW
Daylight saving time, circadian rhythms, and cardiovascular health
Authors:
Roberto Manfredini, Fabio Fabbian, Rosaria Cappadona, Pietro Amedeo Modesti
Published in:
Internal and Emergency Medicine
|
Issue 5/2018
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Abstract
Very recently, the European Parliament, called to decide on possible abolition of the Daylight Saving Time (DST), approved a resolution calling the scientific community to conduct a more in-depth evaluation. The question is based on disruption of body’s circadian rhythms. We review here the relationship between DST and cardiovascular health. The available evidence suggests the existence of an association between DST and a modest increase of occurrence of acute myocardial infarction, especially in the first week after the spring shift. Possible mechanisms include sleep deprivation, circadian misalignment and environmental conditions. The role of gender and individual preference in circadian rhythms (chronotype) will need further assessment.