How Daylight Saving Time Can Impact Those With Circadian Rhythm Disorders

As spring arrives, daylight saving time brings longer evenings and brighter mornings. While many people notice temporary fatigue or grogginess after the time change, the impact can be far more disruptive for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders. At Century City Psychiatry, we help patients understand how these seasonal time shifts affect sleep and provide targeted care to restore balance and improve quality of life.

Daylight saving time shifts the clock forward by one hour, abruptly altering the body’s internal rhythm. Research shows that this sudden change can reduce sleep duration, increase daytime sleepiness, and temporarily raise the risk of mood changes, accidents, and cardiovascular events. For people with circadian rhythm disorders, even a one-hour shift can significantly worsen symptoms that are already difficult to manage.

Understanding Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Circadian rhythm disorders occur when the body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep-wake cycles over a 24-hour period, becomes misaligned with the external environment. This internal clock influences not only sleep but also hormone release, body temperature, alertness, and mood.

Common circadian rhythm disorders include delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep-wake phase disorder, non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, and shift work disorder. These conditions can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake at socially expected times. Studies estimate that circadian rhythm sleep disorders affect up to 3 percent of the general population, though many cases go undiagnosed.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, in particular, can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, difficulty maintaining work or school schedules, and significant daytime impairment. Over time, untreated circadian rhythm disorders can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, metabolic issues, and reduced overall functioning.

Why Daylight Saving Time Makes Symptoms Worse

Daylight saving time forces the body to adjust its internal clock abruptly, rather than gradually. For individuals with circadian rhythm disorders, this sudden change can intensify sleep disruption and prolong adjustment. In fast-paced areas like West Los Angeles, where early schedules and high demands are common, the mismatch between biological rhythms and daily responsibilities can become even more pronounced.

Research indicates that it can take several days to weeks for the circadian system to realign after a time change, and for those with existing rhythm disorders, the adjustment may take longer or not fully occur without intervention.

Specialized Care at Century City Psychiatry

At Century City Psychiatry, our team specializes in identifying and treating circadian rhythm disorders with personalized, evidence-based care. Under the supervision of Mike Mah, MD, patients receive comprehensive evaluations to determine the specific type of circadian disruption and contributing factors.

Treatment may include structured sleep scheduling, light-based interventions, medication management, and referrals to behavioral therapists when appropriate. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s lifestyle, work demands, and biological patterns, rather than applying a single approach to everyone.

Restoring Sleep and Quality of Life

Healthy sleep is essential to both physical and mental health. When circadian rhythm disorders are left untreated, they can interfere with relationships, work performance, emotional stability, and long-term well-being. With professional guidance, many individuals experience meaningful improvements in sleep consistency, daytime alertness, and overall quality of life.

At Century City Psychiatry, we are committed to helping patients regain control of their sleep health, especially during challenging transitions like daylight saving time, so they can function at their best year-round.

Get Help Managing Sleep Disruptions and Circadian Rhythm Disorders

If daylight saving time has made your sleep problems worse or you struggle with ongoing circadian rhythm issues, professional support can make a real difference. At Century City Psychiatry, our team provides personalized care to help restore healthy sleep patterns and improve your overall quality of life.

Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with our experienced psychiatric team. Contact our Los Angeles office to take the first step toward better sleep and better health.