Latest news with #circadianrhythms
Medscape
18-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
You Are When You Eat: Microbiome Rhythm and Metabolic Health
You are when you eat? Perhaps. Similar to circadian rhythms that help regulate when we naturally fall asleep and wake up, microbial rhythms in our gut are naturally active at certain times of the day to help regulate our digestion. Researchers from the UC San Diego sought out to track these microbial rhythms to determine whether aligning the times we eat to when our gut microbes are most active can bolster our metabolic health. This alignment is known as time-restricted feeding (TRF). 'Microbial rhythms are daily fluctuations in the composition and function of microbes living in our gut. Much like how our bodies follow an internal clock (circadian rhythm), gut microbes also have their own rhythms, adjusting their activities based on the time of day and when we eat,' said Amir Zarrinpar , MD, PhD, gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and senior author of the study. Zarrinpar and his team were particularly interested in observing whether adopting the TRF approach counteracted the harmful metabolic effects often associated with consuming a high-fat diet. The study is also notable for the team's use of technology able to observe real-time microbial changes in the gut — something not previously attainable with existing metagenomics. How the Study Evolved With New Tech Researchers separated three groups of mice to analyze their microbiome activity: one on a high-fat diet with unrestricted access, another on the same high-fat diet within a TRF window of 8 hours per day, and a control group on a normal chow diet with unrestricted access. 'In mice, [their] microbial rhythms are well-aligned with their nocturnal lifestyle. For example, during their active (nighttime) period, certain beneficial microbial activities increase, helping digest food, absorb nutrients, and regulate metabolism,' said Zarrinpar. As a result, the team made sure the mice's TRF window was at night or when they would normally be awake. 'We chose an 8-hour feeding window based on earlier research showing this time period allows mice to consume the same total calories as those with unlimited food access,' said Zarrinpar. 'By controlling [the] calories in this way, we ensure any metabolic or microbial benefits we observe are specifically due to the timing of eating, rather than differences in total food intake.' But before any observations could be made, the team first needed a way to see real-time changes in the animals' gut microbiomes. Zarrinpar and his team were able to uncover this, thanks to metatranscriptomics, a technique used to capture real-time microbial activity by profiling RNA transcripts. Compared with the more traditional technique of metagenomics, which could only be used to identify which genes were present, metatranscriptomics provided more in-depth temporal and activity-related context, allowing the team to observe dynamic microbial changes. '[Metatranscriptomics] helps us understand not just which microbes are present, but specifically what they are doing at any given moment,' said Zarrinpar. 'In contrast, metagenomics looks only at microbial DNA, which provides information about what microbes are potentially capable of doing, but doesn't tell us if those genes are actively expressed. By comparing microbial gene expression (using metatranscriptomics) and microbial gene abundance (using metagenomics) across different diet and feeding conditions in [light and dark] phases, we aimed to identify how feeding timing might influence microbial activity.' Because metagenomics focuses on stable genetic material, this technique cannot capture the real-time microbial responses to dietary timing presented in rapidly changing, short-lived RNA. At the same time, the instability of the RNA makes it difficult to test hypotheses experimentally and explains why researchers haven't more widely relied on metatranscriptomics. To overcome this difficulty, Zarrinpar and his team had to wait to take advantage of improved bioinformatics tools to simplify their analysis of complex datasets. 'It took several years for us to analyze this dataset because robust computational tools for metatranscriptomic analysis were not widely available when we initially collected our samples. Additionally, sequencing costs were very high. To clearly identify microbial activity, we needed deep sequencing coverage to distinguish species-level differences in gene expression, especially for genes that are common across multiple types of microbes,' said Zarrinpar. What They Found After monitoring these groups of mice for 8 weeks, the results were revealed. As predicted, the mice with unrestricted access to a high-fat diet exhibited signs of metabolic dysfunction due to disruptions in their circadian and microbial rhythms. 'When mice have free access to a high-fat diet, their normal eating behavior changes significantly. Instead of limiting their activity and feeding to their active nighttime period, these mice begin to stay awake and eat during the day, which is their typical rest phase,' Zarrinpar explained. 'This unusual daytime activity interferes with important physiological processes. Consequently, the animals experience circadian misalignment, a condition similar to what human shift workers experience when their sleep-wake and eating cycles don't match their internal biological clocks,' he continued. 'This misalignment can negatively affect metabolism, immunity, and overall health, potentially leading to metabolic diseases.' For the mice that consumed a high-fat diet within a TRF window, metabolic phenotyping demonstrated that their specific diet regimen had protected them from harmful high-fat induced effects including adiposity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Even more promising, the mice not only were protected from metabolic disruption but also experienced physiological improvements including glucose homeostasis and the partial restoration of the daily microbial rhythms absent in the mice with unrestricted access to a high-fat diet. While the TRF approach did not fully restore the normal, healthy rhythmicity seen in the control mice, the researchers noted distinct shifts in microbial patterns that indicated time-dependent enrichment in genes attributed to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Better Metabolic Health — and Better Tools for Researching It Thankfully, the latest advancements in sequencing technology, including long-read sequencing methods, are making metatranscriptomics easier for research. 'These newer platforms offer greater resolution at a lower cost, making metatranscriptomics increasingly accessible,' said Zarrinpar. With these emerging technologies, he believes metatranscriptomics will become a more standard, widely used method for researchers to better understand the influence of microbial activity on our health. These tools, for example, enabled Zarrinpar and the team to delve deeper and focus on the transcription of a particular enzyme they identified as a pivotal influence in observable metabolic improvements: bile salt hydrolase (BSH), known to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. The TRF approach notably enhanced the expression of the BSH gene during the daytime in the gut microbe Dubosiella newyorkensis , which has a functional human equivalent. To determine why this happened, the team leveraged genetic engineering to insert several active BSH gene variants into a benign strain of gut bacteria to administer to the mice. The only variant to produce metabolic improvements was the one derived from Dubosiella newyorkensis ; the mice who were given this BSH-expressing engineered native bacteria (ENB) had increased lean muscle mass, less body fat, lower insulin levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and better blood glucose regulation. 'It is still early to know the full clinical potential of this new BSH-expressing engineered native bacterium,' said Zarrinpar. 'However, our long-term goal is to develop a therapeutic that can be administered as a single dose, stably colonize the gut, and provide long-lasting metabolic benefits.' Testing the engineered bacteria in obese and diabetic mice on a high-fat diet would be a next step to determine whether its potential indeed holds up. If proven successful, it could then be used to develop future targeted therapies and interventions to treat common metabolic disorders. With this engineered bacteria, Zarrinpar and his team are hopeful that it alone can replicate the microbial benefits associated with following a TRF dietary schedule. 'In our study, the engineered bacterium continuously expressed the enzyme DnBSH1, independently of dietary or environmental factors. As a result, the bacterium provided metabolic benefits similar to those seen with TRF, even without requiring the mice to strictly adhere to a TRF schedule,' said Zarrinpar. 'This suggests the exciting possibility that this engineered microbe might serve either as a replacement for TRF or as a way to enhance its beneficial effects,' he continued. 'Further studies will help determine whether combining this ENB with TRF could provide additional or synergistic improvements in metabolic health.' Looking Ahead 'As the pioneer of the single anastomosis duodenal switch which separates bile from food until halfway down the GI tract, I agree that bile is very important in controlling metabolism and glucose,' said Mitchell Roslin , MD, FACS, professor of surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York, chief director of bariatric and metabolic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, who was not involved in the study. 'Using enzymes or medications that work in the GI tract without absorption into the body is very interesting and has great potential. It is an early but exciting prospect.' However, Roslin expressed some reservations. 'I think we are still trying to understand whether the difference in microbiomes is the cause or effect/association. Is the microbiome the difference or is a different microbiome representative of a diet that has more fiber and less processed foods? Thus, while I find this academically fascinating, I think that there are very basic questions that need better answers, before we look at the transcription of bacteria.' Furthermore, translating the metabolic results observed in mice to humans might not be as straightforward. 'Small animal research is mandatory, but how the findings convert to humans is highly speculative,' said Roslin. 'Mice that are studied are usually bred for medical research, with reduced genetic variation. Many animal models are more sensitive to time-restricted eating and caloric restriction than humans.' While it requires further research and validation, this UC San Diego study nevertheless contributes to our overall understanding of host-microbe interactions. 'We demonstrate that host circadian rhythms significantly influence microbial function, and conversely, these microbial functions can directly impact host metabolism,' said Zarrinpar. 'Importantly, we now have a method to test how specific microbial activities affect host physiology by engineering native gut bacteria.' Roslin similarly emphasized the importance of continued investment in exploring the microbial ecosystem inside us all. 'There is wider evidence that bacteria and microbes are not just passengers using us for a ride but perhaps manipulating every action we take.'
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The popular nighttime habit that could be raising your risk of killer heart disease – and 3 other things to avoid
DO YOU fall asleep with the TV on or use a night light? Being exposed to light during the night can up your risk of heart disease, scientists say. 1 The brighter the light, the higher the risk of five cardiovascular diseases, a study from the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute suggested. "Light at night causes circadian disruption, which is a known risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes," researchers wrote in medRxiv. Circadian rhythms - the body's 24-hour clock that governs when we feel sleepy or alert as well as other biological functions - play a role in regulating blood pressure, clot formation and heart rate. Even short-term circadian disruption has been linked to increased risk of blood clots, elevated heart rate and blood pressure and inflammation, study authors wrote. For instance, studies show that shift workers exposed to light at night have a higher risk of "adverse cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and mortality". Exposure to light at nighttime can also come from electronic devices like phones, laptops and TV, lights within the home or streetlights outside. Scientists noted that previous studies into the subject relied on smaller pools of participants and subjective reports on light exposure. Their study of 88,905 people - which has yet to be peer reviewed - used data captured from wrist-worn light sensors and had a follow-up period of nine and a half years. It assessed whether exposure to light at night was linked to a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. The data was used to create "24-hour light exposure profiles for each participant". I spent three days at a sleep retreat - these are the top 7 things I learnt Researchers then compared this to records from hospital admissions, primary care, self-reports, and death register reports. Participants hadn't been diagnosed with any form of cardiovascular disease at the start of the study. Study authors found: "Individuals exposed to higher levels of personal night light had higher risks for incident coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. "These findings support night light exposure as an important risk factor for adverse cardiovascular health. "Exposure to night light predicted higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, with clear dose-dependent relationships for each outcome," they added. This meant that the brighter the light, the higher participants' risk of disease. Those exposed to the brightest lights at night had a 23-32 per cent higher risk of coronary artery disease, a 45-56 per cent higher risk of heart attack, and a 28-30 per cent higher risk of stroke. They also had a 45-56 per cent higher risk of heart failure, and a 28-32 per cent higher risk of atrial fibrillation. How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. "Higher risks of cardiovascular diseases were observed for men, and older individuals," researchers added. "We observed stronger relationships of night light with risks of heart failure and coronary artery disease in women." Younger participants were also found at an increased risk for heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The study team suggested that "avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases". Several other studies have explored the link between sleep and heart disease. Here are three other habits that could be upping your risk. 1. Not sleeping enough Getting enough sleep is important for your heart and circulatory health. It's recommended that people get between seven and nine hours of kip a night. Regularly snoozing five hours a night or less was linked to peripheral artery disease, where blood vessels in the legs become clogged, in a 2023 study. 2. Irregular routine A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health last year found that people who do not keep to regular sleep schedules - meaning they went to sleep or woke at differing times - had a higher risk of stroke and heart attack. This was regardless of whether people are getting enough sleep overall. A recent study also warned that just three nights of bad sleep can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke - even for "perfectly healthy" people. Lack of shuteye triggers molecular mechanisms linked to a greater risk of heart problems, according to the findings. 3. Taking naps A 2023 study found that napping on a regular basis was linked with high blood pressure, which contributes to stroke and heart attacks. People who 'usually' napped had a 12 per cent higher risk of developing high blood pressure, compared to those who never napped. Their risk of stroke was 24 per cent higher.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 2 key eating habits to trigger weight loss revealed – and you don't even need to change what you eat
Katrina Turrill Published: Invalid Date, THE key to weight loss might not be what you eat, but in fact WHEN you eat. When you eat breakfast and dinner could lead to a healthier body weight over time, say scientists. Researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) found eating breakfast early and extending your overnight fast by also eating dinner early can help you keep your weight in check. The study tracked more than 7,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 65. Back in 2018, they answered detailed questions about their diet, lifestyle, meal times, and body measurements. Five years later, more than 3,000 of them returned for a follow-up to provide updated health information. 'Our results, in line with other recent studies, suggest that extending the overnight fast could help maintain a healthy weight if accompanied by an early dinner and an early breakfast, explained Luciana Pons-Muzzo, researcher at ISGlobal at the time of the study. "We think this may be because eating earlier in the day is more in line with circadian rhythms and allows for better calorie burning and appetite regulation, which can help maintain a healthy weight. "However, it is too soon to draw definitive conclusions, so recommendations will have to wait for more robust evidence." The researchers found notable differences when looking at the data by gender. On average, women had lower BMIs than men and were more likely to follow the Mediterranean diet - a way of eating based on the traditional cuisine of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, emphasising plant-based foods and healthy fats, and recommended for its health benefits. They also tended to drink less alcohol and take on more household or care giving responsibilities. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry Restricting your eating window to a specific time each day or week and abstaining from food for the rest of the time is known as intermittent fasting. Emerging evidence suggests it goes beyond weight loss, offering potential benefits for metabolic health, athletic performance, and even slowing the progression of certain diseases. But fasting and skipping breakfast could have a detrimental impact on health. Looking at the results of their analysis, the researchers were struck by a small group of men whose first meal of the day was after 2pm and who, on average, fasted for 17 hours. Compared to other participants, this group of men tended to have less healthy lifestyles (were more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, do less physical activity, and had less adherence to the Mediterranean diet). 'There are different ways of practising what is known as 'intermittent fasting' and our study relates to one of them, which is overnight fasting, says Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior co-author of the study. "What we observed in a subgroup of men who do intermittent fasting by skipping breakfast is that this practice has no effect on body weight. "Other intervention studies in participants with obesity have shown that this tactic is no more effective than reducing calorie intake in reducing body weight in the long term." When practising intermittent fasting, remember to prioritise staying hydrated, choose a suitable approach for your lifestyle, and focus on healthy eating during your eating window. Consider starting with a 12-hour fast and gradually increasing the duration as needed. It's also important to be mindful of potential side effects like fatigue and dizziness, and to consult with a doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. What are the health benefits of fasting? Weight loss Fasting can promote weight loss by reducing calorie intake and potentially increasing fat burning. Improved blood sugar control Fasting can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes Fasting can alter metabolic processes, making the body more efficient at utilising fuel and potentially improving lipid profiles (cholesterol). Improved cognitive function Some studies suggest that fasting may enhance cognitive function, learning, memory, and alertness. Neuroprotective effects Fasting has been linked to neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Potential for increased longevity Research suggests that fasting may be associated with increased lifespan and a delay in age-related diseases. Heart health Fasting may positively impact heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular function. Improved gut health Fasting can influence gut microbiota, potentially improving gut health and immunity.
CNA
17-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
What's the best way to wake up? Snooze less and embrace the morning sunlight
You've heard plenty of advice about how to prepare for a good night's sleep, but what about waking up? Is there really an ideal way to start your day? Your schedule often determines exactly when you get out of bed. But to the extent you can shape your routine, experts have some thoughts on the healthiest morning habits. 'I always joke that the best thing to do is to get a puppy,' said Mariana Figueiro, who studies light and health at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She's only half kidding. The two keys to a healthy wake-up routine, she said, are getting up at a consistent time each day and viewing morning sunlight – both tend to come with a regular morning dog walk. We spoke with four other sleep and circadian rhythm experts who all agreed with Dr Figueiro about the importance of these two morning habits. Here are their other recommendations – dog or no dog. STAY CONSISTENT Assuming you had the flexibility to choose, is there an ideal time to wake up? Not exactly. As long as you sleep for seven to nine hours each night, there's no 'best' time to wake up, said Dr Daniel Barone, the associate medical director of the Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine. More important is that you stick to the same time, said Dr Katherine Sharkey, an associate professor who studies sleep at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Your body runs on circadian rhythms that regulate not only your sleep-wake cycle but also your metabolism, appetite, hormones, mood, body temperature and cognitive function. Waking up at a consistent time can help keep these body functions running smoothly, said Helen Burgess, the co-director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan. Waking up much later or earlier than you're used to can make you feel drowsy or uncoordinated. Longer term, researchers have found links between irregular sleep patterns and increased risks of obesity, diabetes, mood disorders, heart disease and cancer. DON'T LET WEEKENDS THROW YOU OFF If you feel tired enough to sleep in on weekends, Dr Figueiro said, you're probably not getting enough rest during the week. In these cases, Dr Sharkey suggested sticking to your typical wake-up time and taking a nap later that day. This can help keep your circadian rhythms in sync. If you feel you absolutely must sleep in, Dr Barone said you can likely get away with an extra hour. Any longer and you might experience drowsiness, digestive issues and trouble focusing, similar to jet lag. (Sleep experts use the term ' social jet lag ' to refer to the effects of staying up late and sleeping in on weekends.) SEEK OUT SUNLIGHT As soon as you wake up, open the blinds and switch on the lights. Then, as soon as you can – ideally within an hour, Dr Figuiero said – try to get outside. Viewing any light in the morning, especially sunlight, helps signal to your body that it's daytime, Dr Sharkey said. When the light hits your eyes, it triggers a pathway between your brain and your adrenal glands that tells your body to release cortisol. This hormone makes you feel alert, which in turn could boost your mood, she added. S ome limited s tudies suggest that viewing morning sunlight can improve your sleep the following night, too. When the sun hits your eyes, Dr Sharkey said, it triggers a metaphorical stopwatch, which begins the countdown to bedtime, later telling your body when to release the sleep hormone melatonin. Even on overcast days, morning sunlight is strong enough to regulate your body clock, Dr Barone said. But if you wake up when it's still dark, he said it can be useful to turn on a powerful artificial light such as a light box. You might also try waking up to a sunrise alarm clock, he said, which gradually becomes brighter to mimic the rising sun. There's no specific amount of time you must spend in the morning sunlight, experts said, but, more exposure is better (as long as you protect your skin). Dr Burgess said an hour is best, but even 15 minutes is better than nothing. SKIP THE SNOOZE BUTTON Snoozing your alarm may feel like a gift to yourself, but it isn't the best way to start your day, said Ann E Rogers, a sleep researcher and professor of nursing at Emory University. The urge to snooze is your body's way of saying you need more sleep, Dr Sharkey said. And if you have the flexibility in your schedule to hit snooze, the experts agreed you're better off setting your alarm for the later end of your snooze window and getting up then. That way, your body can get the extra rest it craves – uninterrupted.
Medscape
09-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Keep Clocks on Permanent Standard Time, Says Canadian Group
The annual switch to daylight saving time (DST) in many parts of the world is detrimental to public health and should be abolished in favor of permanent standard time (ST), Canadian researchers wrote in a recent editorial. The policy of turning clocks forward by an hour in the spring causes 'discrepancies between the circadian biological clock and the environmental light-dark cycle,' leading to 'social jet lag,' noted lead author David Dongkyung Kim, MD, assistant professor of geriatric psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Toronto, and colleagues. The Viewpoint was published on April 29 in JAMA. Clear Evidence 'DST is a policy that affects the lives of millions of people, but the potential benefits do not seem to outweigh the potential harms to public health,' Kim told Medscape Medical News. 'Clear evidence in the medical literature as well as widespread expert consensus [shows] the acute transition of the clock time in the spring has been associated with increased myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and atrial fibrillation admissions,' he added. 'But it is not only the sudden change in the clock that is the issue. ST is more aligned with our natural circadian rhythms, and chronic misalignment has been associated with many negative health effects.' Canada first initiated DST during World War I. The rationale was to add more light to waking hours, thus saving energy. Today, only Saskatchewan and Yukon have abolished the time change, staying on permanent ST. Ontario passed legislation in 2020 to change to permanent DST, but it was contingent on Quebec and New York doing likewise, said Kim. 'Many studies seem to show an acute worsening of health with the spring transition, but not the fall transition, suggesting the health issues are due not only to acute changes in clock time but also to the discrepancy between clock time and circadian rhythm,' the authors noted. 'Although many studies suggest increased traffic crashes due to DST transition, others do not show this connection,' they added. And findings on DST transition and mental health risks such as unipolar depression, manic episodes, and suicide are also mixed. 'The main argument I hear for establishing permanent DST is that it is nicer to see the sun set later in the day,' said Kim. 'To that, I respond that you can use your own volition to wake up an hour earlier without forcing permanent DST on the entire population.' Late evening light, which DST makes possible, disrupts the natural seasonal adjustment of circadian rhythms. The misalignment between one's personal schedule and the circadian rhythm, which is called social jet lag, is well understood. It is associated with negative outcomes such as obesity, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Global Consensus In a position statement, the Canadian Sleep Society called for abandoning DST, and there is 'global consensus from sleep and chronobiology experts on this matter,' said Rébecca Robillard, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of psychology at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa. Robillard, who did not contribute to the editorial, also leads clinical sleep research at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and is co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium. 'Considering the impacts that this practice has on a large range of health and safety issues, we should abolish DST and stick to ST all year around,' she told Medscape Medical News. 'Time change goes beyond gaining or losing an hour of sleep; it perturbs our biological clock, which results in population-wide increases in heart attacks, strokes, infections and immune diseases, digestive problems, pregnancy and childbirth complications, and a deterioration in mental health. It's not a question of opinion or personal preference, but of public health and scientific evidence.' Kim and Robillard reported having no relevant financial relationships.
