Kazakh doctor talks about the impact of time change on health

Tengrinews.kz – Renowned family doctor and pediatrician Dmitriy Kireyev has warned that changing the clock can impact health, particularly in children with chronic illnesses. An increase in epileptic seizures, depression, and complications from viral infections are just some of the potential consequences highlighted by the doctor. Read more in the report by a Tengrinews.kz correspondent.
Kireyev believes that time changes negatively affect health, though the extent of the impact varies from person to person.

"Changing the time disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia, daytime sleepiness, reduced sleep quality, impaired memory, concentration, mood, and increased irritability. It also raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases: studies link clock changes to an increase in heart attacks and strokes due to stress on the cardiovascular system," Kireyev noted.

Another less obvious issue caused by time change is digestive problems. The doctor explained that circadian rhythms regulate many bodily processes, including digestion, and their disruption can result in gastrointestinal disorders.

"Reduced productivity is another factor: poor sleep, mood, and cognitive function lead to lower work efficiency and academic performance in children. Another consequence is an increase in accidents. Drowsiness and reduced concentration caused by disrupted biorhythms can heighten the risk of road accidents and other incidents," the doctor added.

Dmitriy Kireyev clarified that the impact of time changes on health depends on individual characteristics, age, and overall health. People with chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular and mental illnesses, may experience more pronounced negative effects.
Children are also among the vulnerable groups, the doctor emphasized.

"As a doctor, I have observed a dramatic increase in cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression," said the pediatrician.

The harm caused by SAD to individuals can be significant, affecting various aspects of life. It can lead to sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, reduced energy, lower libido, and headaches or muscle pain. Psychologically, the primary symptom of SAD is depression, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in life, and decreased enjoyment of previously loved activities. It may also cause difficulties with concentration and decision-making, impacting work and studies.

"This situation over time has especially affected children with weakened immune systems, sensitive nervous systems, and chronic illnesses. The number of epilepsy cases, even those in long-term remission, has increased several times over. Controlling asthma attacks has become more challenging, requiring higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids. Additionally, weakened immunity has led to more frequent bacterial complications from viral infections, resulting in increased use of antibiotics and hospitalizations," added Dmitriy Kireyev.

Recall: On the night of February 29 to March 1, Kazakhstan switched to a single time zone. Three months later, on June 7, a petition to cancel the time change collected the required 50 thousand signatures.
In August, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the final decision regarding the time zone petition. At that time, Minister Arman Shakkaliyev stated that based on substantiated scientific international studies on the positive effects of standard time zones and the absence of evidence of negative health impacts, a decision was made to deny the petition.