Daylight Saving can also make a shift in the body's health

AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Experts say Daylight Saving time can negatively impact the body through things like daily sun light intake, serotonin and melatonin levels and even social hours.

Sunday Nov. 3 marked the end of Daylight Saving time, a shift experts say may bring negative impacts to the human body.

Kathryn "Nin" Emery, License Professional Councilor with Thriveworks in Cedar Park, said the shift that follows the end of Daylight Saving will be minimal for some people, but for others it will have a bigger effect mentally, socially and physically.

One of the biggest things lost during this shift is sunlight. Although it is not obvious how much of an impact sunlight has on daily lives, during this shift you may notice it a bit more.

"Biologically, sunlight impacts your serotonin levels, which is your happy chemical", Emery said. "So, we get that feedback from sunlight to produce those happy chemicals and when we don't have that exposure to sunlight, that can affect us negatively."

Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin according to Emery. Melatonin is an important hormone that helps the body sleep.

"Then there's social implications, like you're not going to be able to spend as long on the pickleball courts unless they have good lighting, right, or be out with friends, go for that walk or jog with those shorter hours," Emery said.

These social implications may also effect physical and mental health. Some people can notice low mood or irritability Others may notice more intense effects like, early signs of depression while adjusting to the shift according to Emery.

"It can be during that whole standard time period and then physically, it can impact the heart, the vascular system and some of their functions," Emery said.

As we shift back to standard time, there are two ways to prepare and plan ahead for the change.

Sunlight

Using sunlight as a way to reset your circadian rhythms or biological clocks. That means, stepping outside during the day for a few minutes to soak up as much sunlight as possible.

Sleeping Schedules

Three days before the switch, adjust your sleeping schedule. Starting with 15 minutes, 30 minutes, then 45 minutes gradually increasing the time each day will make the transition smoother.

According to Emery, after the shift she has noticed a rise in general mood and depression amongst her patients.

"I think for most of us, it's going to be minimal, but there will be a small portion of the population, especially those with like seasonal affective disorder that might feel it a lot harder than the rest," Emery said.

Call 988 Lifeline for immediate access to help during any mental health struggles.