Category: Sleep Knowledge

Discover how the transition to winter time impacts your sleep. This article explores the science behind Daylight Saving Time, its influence on our circadian rhythms, and offers practical tips to ensure a smooth transition. Learn how Dozywave’s sleep products can help you achieve restful nights.

As autumn rolls in each year, so does the familiar shift of our clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). This twice-yearly ritual often evokes a mix of enthusiasm and confusion. For many, the switch to winter time signifies an opportunity to catch up on those precious hours of sleep that seem to vanish amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. But what does this change really mean for our bodies?

Daylight Saving Time, first implemented in the early 20th century, aims to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. As days shorten in autumn, clocks are set back by an hour, giving us what feels like an ‘extra’ hour. However, it’s essential to understand how this transition impacts our sleep patterns and overall well-being.

Circadian rhythms govern our sleep-wake cycles, serving as internal clocks. When we alter our clocks, we disrupt these rhythms. The extra hour, while seemingly beneficial, can cause confusion in our biological systems. Some may find themselves waking up refreshed after another hour, while others could struggle with disrupted sleep schedules.

Research suggests that the shift can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, people might enjoy an additional hour of rest, and some studies show this can result in increased sleep duration. However, the abrupt change can also throw off sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation, irritability, and even decreased productivity in the days that follow. It creates a mixed bag of consequences that varies from person to person.

The real trick lies in how we embrace this time change. Rather than simply relying on the clock to dictate our rest, focusing on establishing a consistent sleep routine can make it far easier to adjust. Gradually shifting your bedtime in the days leading up to the hour change helps ease the transition.

Incorporating relaxation techniques, like mindfulness or gentle stretching before bed, can also help you adjust to the new schedule. Creating a comfortable sleep environment is crucial too. This is where Dozywave steps in. Our thoughtfully designed sleep products are crafted to assist in achieving a comforting sleep experience, ensuring that every hour you spend in slumber is restful.

Understanding how to navigate the clock change will help you better appreciate the implications it has on your sleep. By embracing the transition and utilising supportive products, you can fall back into a routine that grants you that coveted peaceful night’s sleep.

YES — untreated moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of serious, potentially fatal health problems. It may not directly “cause” sudden death every time, but it raises the chance of life‑threatening events over time.

Why and how it can be dangerous

• Repeated oxygen drops: During apnoeas (pauses in breathing) oxygen saturation falls and carbon dioxide rises. Chronic intermittent low oxygen stresses the heart, brain and other organs.
• Cardiovascular strain: OSA is strongly linked with high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. The repeated surges in heart rate and blood pressure during sleep increase long‑term cardiovascular risk.
• Arrhythmias: Apnoeas can provoke abnormal heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias). Dangerous arrhythmias may occasionally lead to sudden cardiac death, especially in people with existing heart disease.
• Heart failure: OSA contributes to development and worsening of heart failure. People with untreated OSA and heart disease have poorer outcomes.
• Daytime risks: Severe daytime sleepiness raises the risk of road traffic accidents and workplace incidents, which can be fatal.
• Metabolic and inflammatory effects: OSA promotes insulin resistance, systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis — all increasing long‑term mortality risk.

Who is at highest risk

• People with moderate to severe OSA (measured by apnoea–hypopnoea index, AHI).
• Those with existing cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or prior stroke.
• Older adults and people with significant daytime sleepiness.
• Someone with very low overnight oxygen levels or frequent prolonged apnoeas.

How much does it increase risk?

• Studies show untreated OSA is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular events and mortality. Exact numbers vary by study and population. Overall, treatment of OSA reduces some of these risks, particularly CPAP therapy in adherent patients.

Signs you should seek help now

• Loud, frequent snoring with witnessed pauses in breathing.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (falling asleep unintentionally).
• Morning headaches, poor concentration, mood changes.
• Waking gasping or choking.
• Known heart disease plus symptoms suggestive of OSA.

What to do

• See your GP or an NHS clinic if you suspect OSA. They may screen you (questionnaires, pulse oximetry) and refer for sleep testing.
• Diagnosis: home sleep apnoea testing or in‑lab polysomnography to measure apnoeas, oxygen levels and sleep quality.
• Treatments:
  • CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most effective for moderate–severe OSA.
  • Mandibular advancement devices for milder cases or CPAP intolerance.
  • Weight loss, positional therapy, avoiding alcohol/sedatives before bed.
  • Surgery in selected cases.
• Manage cardiovascular risk: treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and stop smoking.

Bottom line Sleep apnoea is not trivial. Left untreated, especially when moderate or severe, it substantially raises the risk of fatal cardiovascular events and accidents. Early diagnosis and effective treatment markedly reduce those risks.

If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, book an appointment with your GP. Dozywave also focuses on improving sleep hygiene and comfort; while our products don’t treat OSA, combining good sleep routines with medical assessment can improve overall sleep health.