Estimating the Effects of Daylight Saving Time Clock Changes on Cardiovascular Outcomes, Depressive Symptoms and Road Traffic Injuries in the UK Population (360G-Wellcome-226909_Z_23_Z)

There is growing evidence that daylight saving time (DST) clock changes (one hour forward in spring and one hour back in autumn) may have adverse effects on health due to sleep disruption and deprivation. For example, small-scale studies conducted outside the UK have shown that the number of depressive episodes, heart attacks, irregular heart rates, strokes and fatal road traffic accidents increases in the weeks after the clock changes. This has prompted countries such as the US and the EU to vote to end DST clock changes. However, it is unclear whether DST will be abolished in the UK. This research aims to estimate the effect of DST transitions on the health of the UK population. Using people’s healthcare records I will compare the number of GP and hospital visits for cardiovascular disease, depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, self- harm, eating disorders and road traffic injuries in the 4 weeks directly before and after the clock changes. This information will provide evidence as to whether the UK should abolish DST clock changes. It will also offer insights into the wider effects of sleep disruption on mental and physical health.