As most of the nation gets ready to lose an hour of sleep to Daylight Saving Time, an expert talks about the risks. American Academy of Sleep Medicine member Pete Bils [[ bills ]] says that hour can make a big difference. He cited figures that show a 17-percent increase in traffic accidents attributed to the time change and loss of sleep. Bils noted many Americans are already deprived of sleep, making the loss of an hour even more serious for them. He advises people to prepare for Daylight Saving Time by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, beginning a few nights before the switch. Bils says it can also be helpful to get into the brightest light possible right after awakening on the first few days after the time change. While he said natural light is best, he noted any bright light will do. Daylight Saving Time starts early Sunday morning.
