There are many reasons to rejoice when we “spring forward” and turn the clocks ahead, as we did Sunday morning.  But at least one major study has shown that the spring time change may actually increase the risk of a major heart attack.

Last October, a Swedish study was published that found that for the week following the March daylight savings change, heart attack rates increased by 5 percent.  In the fall, the opposite effect was observed.  Read more about the study on WebMD.

The researchers believe that the sleep disturbance–we lose an hour in the spring–is the culprit.  Many believe that sleep deprivation can contribute to heart attack risk as much as high blood pressure and obesity.

So, just a friendly Fresh Living reminder to spring forward…..but get your sleep!