Daylight Saving Time Shift Slows Some New Yorkers Down as Work Week Begins

You might notice people dragging through this dreary Monday, and it's not just because of the rain. Daylight Saving Time slows many down, and experts say it creates health problems. NY1's Michael Herzenberg filed the following report.

The hustle and bustle of the city brings some, after Sunday's spring forward, a struggle to stay out of trouble.

"Actually, I'm late to work because of it," said one commuter. "Woke up a little later then usual, but it happens."

Daylight Saving Time means losing an hour of sleep, and most NY1 spoke with feel it and don't like it.

"Not necessary," said one commuter. "Totally throws off my sleep schedule."

"I'm tired today, but you know, you have to get to work," said another.

The tradition started catching on a century ago during World War I, with countries trying to use more daylight and less energy for lighting to conserve coal and oil.

Congress established the Uniform Time Act in 1966, and it's been modified since then but there are negative consequences.

"It just adds more stress to the body," said Dr. Lisa Liberatore, a sleep specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital. "And when I say stress, I mean physical stress that actually puts more stress on our heart, our brain, our muscles."

Liberatore says Americans are already sleep deprived, and Daylight Saving Time adds to the amount of heart attacks and car accidents in the days following the spring forward.

Commuter: I just like it. I like more daylight then I do darkness. You can do more.
Herzenberg: You're not tired today?
Commuter: Hell no!

Only 10 percent of people NY1 spoke with like the change. That expert says the best way to enjoy it is to plan for it.

"For me, it's good," said one tourist from France. "Because there's light until 9, 10 o'clock. It's funny."

These tourists from France didn't plan for it but got a big head start anyway. Europe doesn't spring forward until the end of the month.

You only need three days to prepare - or recover, says Dr. Liberatore - so go to bed early Monday night and Tuesday night, and you should be good by Wednesday.