Daylight saving time (DST) begins in Colorado at 2 a.m. Sunday, meaning our clocks move forward one hour and sunset will be after 7 p.m. for the first time in 2024.

The official sunrise on Sunday will be at 7:18 a.m., in Denver and sunset will occur at 7:02 p.m. Unfortunately, everyone loses an hour of sleep overnight, but will experience more sunlight in the evening.

One effect of the time change is on human biorhythms, as pointed out in a National Laboratory of Medicine study published in October 2020 on the effects seasonal daylight saving time change has on humans.

The study titled ‘Daylight saving time: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement’ says DST is less well-aligned with natural human circadian rhythms and disrupts the natural seasonal adjustment of the human clock because of the late-evening light.

“The one-hour time shift in the spring results in less exposure to light in the morning and greater exposure to evening light,” the authors of the study said. “In the presence of continuing social or occupational demands in early morning hours, this delay results in sleep loss and resultant sleep debt, in addition to circadian misalignment.”

Furthermore, the study said both early morning darkness and late-evening light have similar effects on the human’s body clock, and humans do not adjust to DST even after several months very well.

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers warning signs to watch for to stay safe after the time shift:

• You’re finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids

• Starting to daydream and having disconnected thoughts

• Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven

• Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs

• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes

• Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off

• Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a shoulder rumble strip

• Feeling restless and irritable or becoming aggravated with common annoyances such as sitting in traffic

Additionally, the DMV recommends planning trips ahead and driving with a friend during long road trips to help monitor for signs of drowsy driving. The department said if you find yourself feeling fatigued at the wheel, pull over and get some rest before continuing.