Time Change Intensifies Insomnia Struggles Reports North Bay Ontario Resident
The biannual practice of changing clocks has raised significant concerns for individuals suffering from insomnia. This is especially true for Ken Porter, a resident of North Bay, Ontario, who has struggled with sleep disorders for many years.
Insomnia and Time Changes: A Personal Struggle
Porter, who is affiliated with the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, emphasized that even a minor shift, such as gaining an hour when daylight saving time ends, can disrupt his entire week. He stated, “That one-hour difference can really make a difference in your ability to be productive.” For him, insomnia and anxiety create a cycle that exacerbates his sleep challenges.
Effective Sleep Hygiene Practices
To combat his insomnia, Porter adheres to good sleep hygiene practices. These include:
- Going to bed at the same time each night.
- Avoiding cellphone usage right before sleep.
However, the biannual time changes disrupt these routines. “It’s kind of like jet lag,” he remarked, drawing a parallel between time changes and the disorientation experienced during long-haul flights.
The Debate Over Time Changes
The issue of changing clocks has been a contentious topic in Canada for some time. In 2020, Ontario passed a bill that proposed making daylight saving time permanent. However, this legislation is dependent on both New York and Quebec adopting similar measures.
Legislation to End Time Changes
In early October, Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde announced her intention to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at eliminating the time changes across Canada. She expressed that it was time to re-evaluate this practice. “Canadians will often engage in conversation and debates about why it is we change our clocks back and forward,” she stated. “Today, I’m here to say the time has come to address time change.”
Lalonde’s legislative effort may not take effect before the next clock change, scheduled for this Sunday, when clocks will be set back one hour at 2 a.m., marking the transition back to standard time.
This ongoing discussion highlights the broader impact of time changes on public health, particularly for those with sleep disorders, such as insomnia. As conversations continue, many will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these issues.
