Circadian rhythms and sleep health face disruption from time changes

The transition to winter time can disrupt biological rhythms and sleep patterns. Experts highlight melatonin as a key factor in managing these effects, especially as the shift can cause 'chronodisruption'—a misalignment between environmental time and the body's internal clock.

Physiologist Darío Acuña notes that this disruption may lead to stress, inflammation, and impacts on the immune system, potentially aggravating conditions such as allergies and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, cardiovascular events often see an increase in the morning following time changes.

In Spain, the Sociedad Española del Sueño reports that over 22% of the population suffers from sleep problems, with insomnia affecting more than 11%. Similar fatigue can occur when returning from vacations due to changes in circadian rhythms and sleep habits. Light exposure plays a critical role in synchronizing the internal clock, with morning light helping to advance the rhythm and evening light delaying it.