Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

Author: ABC Australia October 4, 2025 Duration: 40:44
Daylight saving time kicks in this weekend for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Time shifts can be controversial, and in recent years there's been research into the effects on our health. One study has looked into the incidence of strokes and obesity.  Also, why experts want to change the name of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and we take a tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.  References: Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy - NHMRC Safety concerns over imported melatonin products - TGA Retraction: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Circadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policies Polycystic ovary syndrome perspectives from patients and health professionals on clinical features, current name, and renaming: a longitudinal international online survey - the Lancet Inside the Australian lab where scientists study bird flu and other emerging disease threats - ABC News Dynamic Balnce for Life A Judo-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls and Frailty Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Mapping the environmental exposures that impact human health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:07
The human exposome is the environmental equivalent of the human genome, and there's a project in the works to map it. It's a huge project that needs to take into account our lifestyles, cultures, economics and politics.…
Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:15
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In blood cancer, a revolutionary t-cell therapy has cured patients and could show promise in solid tumours. In bladder cancer, the tuberculosis vaccine is infu…
The man using AI to try treat his dog's cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:48
In the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, it can sometimes feel like the answer to everything is right around the corner. A dog owner is testing this with the help of super-computing, to try and find another tr…
What do hyenas have to do with human health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:03
Hyenas and vultures play a role in driving down the risk of disease outbreaks, but their decline due to human behaviour is putting our health in danger. Also, we discuss Lifeblood's changes which bring down some of the b…
Is it too easy to get a prescription for medicinal cannabis? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:02
There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm. Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment…
Exercise packs a punch in fending off cancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
A structured exercise program has increased survival in people with colon cancer after they've undergone surgery and chemotherapy. Also, a common genetic variant could double the risk of dementia in men — if they receive…
Can you predict how smart a baby will be in adulthood? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:48
Our cognitive ability changes throughout our lives, but what happens when we're young can determine our intelligence in adulthood — especially if we don't do anything to bolster it. Also, NSW follows other states in allo…
Deepfake scammers have stolen Norman’s voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:01
If you've come across ads of Norman pushing a product for you to buy — no you haven't. These ads are actually deepfake scams using an AI Norman to sell unproven supplements. Also, why a new Alzheimer's drug coming onto t…
Want to heal your gut? Here's the evidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:16
Gut health is more complicated than social media influencers might have you believe. It can be impacted by diet, exercise, the medications you take, the colds you catch. And any one of these factors can lead to irritable…
You don’t have to snore to have sleep apnea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
It's a common sleep disorder that can have knock-on effects on your cardiovascular and overall metabolic health. But sleep apnea doesn't always present how people think, especially in women. Also, we take a look at Labor…