Springing forward likely puts a spring in your step as well

Daylight-saving time begins this weekend, causing initialconfusion but lifting moods for many.

Before going to sleep on Saturday night, set the clock ahead onehour. As a result, it will be darker in the morning but lighter inthe evening to the delight of walkers, joggers and bikers.

Some folks will be late for church on Sunday either because theyoverslept or simply forgot to change the clock. After all, daylight-saving time does strike earlier than it once did. Last year theevent was moved up three weeks to begin the second Sunday in March.

The change was bumped up by Congress two years ago in an effortto reduce the use of power by businesses during daylight hours.

The Rev. William Carl Thomas, who has served St. MatthewsEpiscopal Church on Norwood Road for more than four years, saidthere will be a few who show up for coffee hour and be surprisedthey missed the early service. These folks may stay for Bible studyand the later service, he mused. Overall, he is optimistic.

"I have been pleased with how well people at St. Matthews cantell time," he said. "I've been in other churches where it can bequite funny."

He also pointed out that Easter comes early this year on March23. After doing his homework, he figures the sun will rise at 7:25a.m. So, he will begin the outdoor Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m.That means it will coincide with the first worship service. So,people are being asked to come at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. that day.While that is early for worship, it is later than many previoussunrise services.

That could mean a good turnout, Thomas said.

The time switch means schedule adjustments for folks of all ages.

Brandy Martin, assistant director for CSBC Child DevelopmentCenter in Elkview, expects the 40 kids there to adapt quickly to theschedule change. She said it will be harder on babies than the olderkids who are busy with activities.

"The babies will be a little more cranky," she said. "We willgive them a 15-minute cat nap for an energy boost, feed them, andthen give them their regular nap."

Meanwhile, people out walking in the sunshine on Monday afternoonsaid they are ready for daylight-saving time, and the sooner thebetter.

"Good weather and daylight put me in a better mood," said JessicaSmith of Charleston. "It means a more successful workout. When it'sdark, cloudy or gloomy, it's easier to get mad or have a bad day."

Her walking buddy agreed.

"You are more productive and get more done," said Leatha Pelzelof Charleston. "My son, (3-year-old Miles Wilbur) will get morebooks read to him at night because you feel like it's earlier andthat makes you feel better."

Two postal employees were also taking advantage of the balmy dayto walk along the sidewalks of the East End. Cindy McKee and SandraMarcum said more daylight in the evening gives them more energy.They figure the longer daylight-saving time lasts, the better.

Meanwhile, Rich Young was in his glory to be planting flowers.

"I garden and the weather is very important to me," said Young,who is retired from the West Virginia Library Commission and PutnamCounty Schools.

When asked how he feels about daylight-saving time, he said hewas shocked to be reminded that it's already upon us. Since he isretired, the time change has little impact on what he gets doneoutside, he said. But he realizes the time change is good for savingenergy.

Dr. Walter Byrd, associate professor with the West VirginiaUniversity Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, said itis likely extra daylight boosts moods for many folks.

"A lot of people get excited about the weather and theopportunity to do things," said Byrd, who said extra sunshine in theevening creates a sense of freedom for those who work all day.

For those who have experienced loss or difficulty during thewinter, lighter evenings and warmer weather offer a sense ofreprieve, he said.

As the days are longer, there are shifts in the circadian rhythmof the pineal gland that responds to light by switching offproduction of a hormone called melatonin that makes one feel drowsy.While melatonin is linked to sleep, a hormone called serotonin isjust the opposite.

"Serotonin conveys a sense of well being and energy," he said.

"You see folks come out of depression and an anxious state almostspontaneously in the spring. The shift with daylight-saving timegives a sudden stimulus to the process."

Contact writer Charlotte Ferrell Smith at charlotte@dailymail.comor 348-1246.