Every time we "spring forward," doctors say, the interruption in sleep affects our health. Studies have shown that stroke and heart attack risks increase in the near term after the time change. 

Nate Watson, professor of neurology at the UW School of Medicine and co-director of the UW Medicine Sleep Center, says that's why he believes we should stay on Standard Time year-round. 

One way to lessen the effects is to make the change gradually. Watson suggests waking up 15 minutes earlier every day four days before the time change. In the video below, Watson gives background on the history of changing our clocks twice a year, including why french fry sales might have a role in maintaining this convention.