Study Finds No Major Mental Health Effects from Daylight Saving Time

Ben Bullock from Swinburne stated that while the study focused on serious cases resulting in hospital visits, there could still be minor impacts on mood when transitioning to daylight saving. He noted that many people may experience slight effects on their mood or sleep, despite the study’s focus on significant mental health episodes.

Concerns about daylight saving have persisted, particularly regarding sleep loss and potential increases in health risks like strokes and heart attacks. The clocks will be adjusted from 2 am to 3 am this Sunday in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT.

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for making daylight saving time permanent, describing the biannual clock changes as "inconvenient" and "costly." However, Bullock emphasized that the potential benefits of having more daylight in the evening generally outweigh any negative impacts. He suggested that efforts should concentrate on assisting the minority who may feel adversely affected by the adjustment rather than changing the system for the majority.

To aid in the transition, he recommended gradually adjusting sleep schedules before the clock change and spending time outdoors in sunlight on the first Sunday morning of the shift, which he noted is the best way to reset one's body clock. He also advised being gentle with oneself during the transition and avoiding major plans that day.

A separate study from Adelaide's Flinders University conducted in 2024 found no significant evidence linking daylight saving to long-term sleep loss, noting that while individuals might lose sleep in the weeks following the shift, the effects were comparable to those experienced from jet lag.

For immediate support regarding mental health issues, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and beyondblue is available at 1300 22 4636.