The extra hour of sleep that we were able to catch this weekend for many was an added bonus. But, a recent article online pointed out some of the ways daylight savings time actually affects our health. According to the article we’re more likely to sleep soundly during the fall and winter, but are less likely to do so in the leap forward during spring and summer. More darkness in the fall and winter can help control natural appetite urges, since the body is instead preparing to rest. The tendency towards longer and better hours of sleep in the winter can also help you lose weight(if you have enough willpower to stay away from the winter holiday parties). When clocks fall back, many don’t leave the office or day job until after it’s dark. “If people are working inside all day, they’re not receiving their daily intake of vitamin D,” says New York dermatologist Dennis Gross MD “Vitamin D replenishes skin hydration, boosts elasticity, radiance and luminosity, stimulates collagen and helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” adds Gross. Fortunately in Southern California the sun is out most of the days. Even a lunchtime stroll can be beneficial in getting the vitamin D necessary to benefit beautiful skin. For most of us, the end of daylight savings time overall is positive. Dr. Kim helps his patients understand that lack of sleep can have a profound affect on a person’s appearance. It is not uncommon to have bags beneath the eyes and droopy eyelids which clearly cause a person to look tired. Dr. Kim explains that the eyelids can look dramatically younger with a blepharoplasty procedure. This procedure removes the excess skin on the eyelid as well as the bags beneath the eyes. In some cases if the brow has begun to sag Dr. Kim may recommend a brow lift as well. Once patients have surgery it is important that they maintain a healthy sleep pattern to preserve their results long-term.
