A new Manitoba Health report details the health consequences posed by seasonal time changes as leaders consider whether to keep seasonal time changes or adopt the same time all year-round. Lawmakers are seeking the public’s opinion, and we’re sharing physicians’ perspectives based on your earlier feedback. 

Your views: We took physicians’ pulse on this issue earlier this spring and of the 391 who responded: 

• 80% of members agree or strongly agree it’s time for Manitoba to put an end to seasonal time changes 
• Only 14% disagree, often expressing concerns about Manitoba making a change out of step with neighbouring jurisdictions

The Manitoba Health report outlines many of the same medical concerns about seasonal time changes that we heard from physicians: 

• Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption 
• Increased risk for cardiovascular events 
• Increased risk of injury/​accidents
• Impact on mental health and wellbeing, largely due to a change in sleep 

Zoom in: The new Manitoba Health report builds a case for eliminating the biannual clock change by focusing on the evidence around health impacts. In a review of studies around the world and data from Manitoba, the report presents the following details: 

• Sleep and Circadian Rhythm: Loss of sleep is the most immediate consequence of the transitions, causing disruptions, particularly around the spring transition, that may be contributing factors to acute negative health outcomes. 

• Heart Attack Risk: In Manitoba, from 2014 – 2024, on the Monday following the fall transition, there were an average of 10.6 hospital admissions for heart attacks compared to an average of 8.4 on all other Mondays representing a 27.3 per cent increase, largely due to a disrupted sleep cycle. 

• Injury and Accidents: Historical data from Manitoba Public Insurance has shown a 20% increase in collisions on Manitoba roadways following the spring change to DST compared to all other Mondays. 

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Because of Manitoba’s northern latitude, daylight hours in winter are very short, regardless of time. Long winter nights contribute to seasonal affective disorder and winter blues for some people. DST does not create more daylight, but staying on DST in the winter would shift an hour of available light from early morning to late afternoon. 

Public consultation: The government has launched a public consultation about the change, including whether daylight savings or standard time would be a better permanent solution. We will share physicians’ views from our consultation directly with government too.