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
Inside the lab growing sheets of replacement skin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:08
Spray-on skin already helps many burns patients, but what about those with deeper burns? Meet the team trialling a technique to grow sheets of replacement skin. Takeaways from the inquiry into Australia's COVID-19 pandem…
The parkrun phenomenon — and which runners keep coming back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:51
What keeps some people running while others drop off? New data from parkrun groups shows why some keep coming back to jogging. New draft limits on 'forever chemicals' PFAS in Australia's drinking water from national medi…
Why are thousands of bags of blood being binned instead of donated? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
The ancient practice of blood letting is still a vitally important treatment for some people. But for years that blood was being discarded. The viruses behind the recent burst of infections this Spring, and why your rece…
Got ADHD? There's a chance you have dyslexia too [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
There's long been an assumed link between ADHD and dyslexia, and now a study has looked at the genes of thousands of people to find the overlap. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes and workplace…
The key to living past a hundred? Lie about your age [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
There are areas known as 'Blue Zones' where people were thought to live very long lives. It was thought to have something to do with lifestyles in these spots, but one demographer has debunked the entire notion. Also, we…
Why don't we screen everyone for high risk genes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:29
The government bans life insurers from using genetic testing results to demand higher premiums. Inflammation in childhood is linked to metabolic disorders and mental illness in later life. Australian invention could revo…
The man who dated his own kidney stone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
A scientist carbon dated his own kidney stone to better understand the mysterious, and painful, formations. How a new approach could curb the biggest killer of young people. The Ebola vaccine is put to the test. And diab…
Playing sport might protect against concussion harms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:43
You hear a lot about the dangers of concussion in sport, but maybe sport can actually mitigate the harms of concussion. We navigate the link between tablet use in children and angry outbursts. How erectile dysfunction an…
Your phone might help you get a good night's sleep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:19
Most people struggling with insomnia at least once in their life, and for some it's a long-term struggle. Can an app help with treatment? We give an update on all things COVID-19, including the latest research on vaccine…