Could daylight saving time increase your risk of stroke?

cbs ^ | 02/29/2016 | Ashley Welch

[BenLurkin]

Dr. Teshamae Monteith, an assistant professor of clinical neurology and director of the headache program under the general neurology division at the University of Miami, said that although the overall risk found in the study is small, it is still significant.

"Stroke is a major health problem resulting in high rates of disability," she told CBS News. "Understanding the timing of stroke onset is critical, because acute stroke management depends on receiving treatments within a relatively short window."

A 2014 study published in the journal Open Heart found that setting clocks ahead one hour in the spring was also associated with short-term risk of heart attack.

It's important to note that both studies show an association -- not a cause-and-effect relationship -- and do not look into the potential mechanisms for the link. But experts have some theories.

"The circadian rhythm influences numerous bodily functions including metabolic, physiologic, and behavioral changes," Monteith said. "Although confirmatory studies are needed, I believe this study supports the link between circadian rhythms and vascular events."

Ruuskanen pointed out that other studies have shown that disruption of the circadian clock due to other reasons, such as a rotating shift work, and fragmented sleep are also associated with an increased risk of stroke.

"What is common in these situations is the disturbed sleep cycle, while the immediate mechanisms for the increased risk remain unknown at the moment," he said.

[Oztrich Boy]

Franklin only made a joke. Daylight saving came about because Woodrow Wilson wanted more golftime