Chile to implement daylight saving time change in September

Much of Chile will transition to daylight saving time on Saturday, September 5, requiring clocks to be moved forward by one hour. This adjustment can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, potentially leading to increased drowsiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes during the initial days of the transition.

Dr. Pablo González, a neurologist at the Clínica Universidad de los Andes Sleep Medicine Program, notes that the primary challenge is the transient desynchronization between the biological clock and social time. The body does not instantly adjust its circadian rhythm to the new clock time.

Certain groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with highly structured sleep schedules or existing sleep difficulties, may be more sensitive to these changes. To facilitate adaptation, experts recommend gradually shifting bedtimes and wake times by 15 to 20 minutes in the days leading up to the change.