Does the Fall Time Change Make You More Likely to Get Sick? Here’s What Your Body—and American Elderberry—Have to Say.

In a continuation of our 10 Benefits of taking American Elderberry Daily Series We'll dive into Benefit #2

Benefit #2 Reduces Cold & Flue duration.

Every year when the clocks “fall back,” most of us enjoy that extra hour of sleep—at least at first. But have you ever noticed how soon after the time change, everyone around you starts coming down with something? Coincidence? Maybe not.

Let’s talk about how the shift to darker evenings can quietly stress your immune system—and how American elderberry can help you recover faster and stay balanced through the transition.

Your Body Runs on Rhythm—And the Time Change Interrupts It

When Daylight Saving Time ends, your body’s internal clock doesn’t instantly adjust. The sudden change in daylight throws off your circadian rhythm, which affects sleep, hormone balance, and even immune response.

Sleep disruptions—even small ones—can reduce your body’s ability to fight off viral infections. Add in colder weather, dry indoor air, and more time spent around others, and it’s easy to see why cold and flu season always seems to spike right after the clocks change.

Have you ever noticed feeling more tired or run down right after the time change? 

Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear how your body reacts each fall.

Where American Elderberry Comes In

This is where elderberry shines. Studies show that elderberry extract can shorten cold and flu duration by up to four days and reduce symptom severity (Journal of International Medical Research, 2004).

Elderberries contain powerful antioxidants and immune-modulating compounds that help your body respond faster when it’s under stress—like when your sleep schedule and light exposure are out of sync.

Try our American Elderberry Syrup or Elderberry Tea Blend as part of your evening wind-down routine. The anthocyanins in elderberry not only support your immune system—they also promote calm and balance, helping your body reset naturally.

A Simple Fall Reset Routine

If you’re feeling the effects of shorter days, try this:

1. Get morning sunlight within 30 minutes of waking. It helps reset your internal clock.

2. Take a tablespoon of elderberry syrup (or a cup of elderberry tea) as part of your breakfast or bedtime routine.

3. Unplug 30 minutes before bed. Screen light at night can confuse your circadian rhythm and make it harder for your body to repair itself.

4. Stay hydrated. Cooler weather can dry your mucous membranes—the first line of defense against viruses.

Our Elderberry Snack Bites are also a great on-the-go option for families juggling changing schedules and shorter days.

Let’s Talk: Do You Feel the Shift?

The transition from long summer days to darker fall evenings affects everyone differently—but your immune system feels it first.

Do you notice yourself getting sick more often after the time change?💬 Have you made elderberry part of your seasonal routine?

Share your thoughts below, or tag us on social media with your fall wellness ritual using #AmericanElderberry and #PoppleTreeCreekFarms—we might feature your comment or photo in our next post!

The Takeaway

While we can’t avoid the seasonal shift, we can support our bodies through it. American elderberry helps your immune system recover faster, stay balanced, and fight back naturally when your rhythm is off.

When the clocks fall back, let your wellness move forward—with the pure, farm-grown power of American elderberry from Popple Tree Creek Farms.