Time makes a difference...

When I leave for work it's brighter, although here in Vancouver's wet coast is the time of perpetual grayness. And when I return home it's darker. Add rain to the mix and it can be rather dour. Not the best recipe for enjoyment. Therefore, I've bought a new front light for more visibility. My energy level shuts down for the winter as I pine for more light. More vitamin D, I suppose! Unfortunately, I can't move to somewhere celebrating summer.

Legislation in the United States with the time change was aimed at trying to save energy. But there is still debate about whether the change reduces energy consumption. Canada followed the lead as our government says that it would be better and not to create problems for trade and travel. Here, in Canada it means one thing the start to the long cold winter. But, like I said before we'll take advantage of that extra hour of precious sleep. I sure felt well rested the day after.

Swedish researchers say there maybe health benefits to the clocks going back. A 20 year study reveals less heart attacks when the clocks moved back an hour. Dangerously, when time came to moving the hour forward in the spring the opposite occurs. During the first three days of the week, more heart attacks happened.

A German study showed that late an early risers adjusted well to the time change in the fall, the night owls found it difficult adjusting to the time change in the spring. They were sleep-deprived for weeks!

US researchers discovered more pedestrian deaths during the evening rush hour in November as it is too dark for motorists to see pedestrians. With the spring comes the time change and it means more daylight and fewer car accidents.

As the days get shorter and darker, I'm more aware cycling in traffic. Careful to be precise. I put on the winter cloak and begrudgingly accept it looking forward to spring!