Why the end of daylight saving time can negatively affect your health

This weekend, most of the United States - except for Hawaii and most of Arizona, which don't observe daylight saving time - is enjoying an extra hour of sleep, but is it actually a good thing? 

Turning the clocks back an hour on the first Sunday in November brings changes. For many, this means that when they leave work around 5 p.m., it's already dark outside. It's one drawback to moving the clocks back. 

Many people have a difficult time adjusting since their internal clock has been altered.

"Just that one hour can change the amount of sleep you get, the quality of sleep that you get," said Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, per The Associated Press. 

"Off-kilter sleep can affect people's ability to multitask, stay alert and even maintain their balance, making them more prone to accidents." 

One is the body's circadian rhythm, its internal clock, is disrupted when the days are shorter with less access to the sun, which can cause a mood swing. Turning the clocks back an hour marks a time when the dark winter is coming. 

The lack of serotonin the body receives during this time of year can also contribute to a worsening mood.  

There are ways to help your body adjust for a smooth transition. 

One thing you can do is keep your same bedtime. Don't use the hour of extra sleep as an excuse to stay up late the prior day. 

Instead, go to bed at your usual time.  

No matter the time of year, but especially in the colder months, it's wise to establish a good sleep routine.

When you wake up in the morning during the cold winter months, try to get exposed to light early by opening blinds around the house, sitting outside or going for a walk.