Daylight Saving Time Can Cost More Than Sleep, Experts Warn

Losing an hour can trigger a chain reaction affecting spending, productivity, and health

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Experts say the clock change for daylight saving time on March 8th can do more than just disrupt sleep. Studies show it can lower self-control, leading to impulse buys, unhealthy spending, and reduced productivity at work. Health effects like headaches, mood issues, and even a small increase in heart-related events have also been linked to the time shift. Preparing with budgeting limits, meal prepping, and adjusting pet routines can help minimize the financial and health impacts.

Why it matters

The biannual clock change affects millions of people across the country, with the spring forward often causing more disruption than the fall back. Understanding the broader impacts on spending, work, and health can help people better manage the transition.

The details

Studies show the fatigue caused by losing an hour of sleep during daylight saving time lowers self-control, making impulse buys harder to resist and budgets easier to break. This can lead to more takeout, coffee runs, and 'quick-fix' spending. At work, the time change is linked to reduced productivity, including more 'cyberloafing' and less focus. Health experts also cite short-term effects like headaches, mood disruptions, and a small increase in heart-related events.

  • Daylight saving time starts on March 8th, 2026 at 2 a.m.

The players

American Kennel Club

An organization that provides information and resources for dog owners, including advice on how daylight saving time can disrupt pets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Experts recommend gradually shifting pet feeding and walk times by 10-15 minutes in the days leading up to the time change to help ease the transition for animals.

The takeaway

The biannual clock change for daylight saving time can have broader impacts beyond just losing an hour of sleep, affecting spending habits, workplace productivity, and short-term health. Being proactive with budgeting, meal prep, and adjusting routines can help minimize the financial and wellness costs of springing forward.