Changing clocks isn't worth the harm it causes

Every year in the fall, Americans “fall back” out of daylight saving time into standard time. While this practice has been a part of our annual routine for years, experts are increasingly advocating for its abolition in favor of permanent standard time. The reasons behind this movement are compelling, ranging from the historical origins of daylight saving time to the detrimental health impacts it imposes on individuals.

Daylight saving time was initially introduced as a way to conserve electricity during World War I. Yet, despite its wartime origins, this practice continues to disrupt our lives, and the majority of Americans are not in favor of maintaining it, according to a 2021 AP/NORC survey. So, what exactly is prompting the push for a permanent switch to standard time?

One of the most concerning aspects of daylight saving time is its impact on public health. Research has revealed a host of health issues associated with the biannual clock change. There are increased rates of emergency department visits and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, depression, and suicide following the transition into daylight saving time. Multiple studies have even linked the time change to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. A 2020 NIH study estimated that around 150,000 Americans experienced physical health issues due to daylight saving time, including strokes, heart attacks, mood changes, and accidents. Furthermore, the disruption of sleep patterns caused by the time change can exacerbate Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression triggered by sleep changes and reduced exposure to daylight.

Experts in the medical field emphasize the profound impact of sleep on our overall well-being. A one-hour time change may seem insignificant, but it can seriously affect our internal clocks and sleep patterns. The master clock in our brains, responsible for maintaining a consistent 24-hour cycle, can struggle to adjust to the new time, taking a day or two to realign. The consequences of this adjustment period extend beyond mere inconvenience, as sleep significantly influences our health and happiness through its effect on hormone regulation and other related factors.

In light of these health concerns, some lawmakers have advocated for making daylight saving time permanent. However, experts assert that standard time is the better choice for our well-being. According to Karin Johnson, a professor of neurology and a sleep medicine specialist, daylight saving time doesn’t actually “save” any daylight during the spring and summer. Instead, it shifts sunrises and sunsets an hour later, out of sync with our natural circadian rhythms. In contrast, standard time ensures that the sun is directly above us at noon, which aligns more closely with our internal clocks. Johnson argues that standard time is what keeps us grounded, particularly during the shorter days of winter.

Furthermore, a permanent switch to standard time would be particularly beneficial for those who wake up before 8:30 a.m., including night owls, teenagers, and people with early work start times or those living on the western edges of time zones. These individuals are the most negatively impacted by daylight saving time.

The evidence is clear: the health impacts of daylight saving time are significant, and they justify a move towards permanent standard time. Standard time offers better alignment with our natural circadian rhythms and helps maintain our well-being.

As the debate over daylight saving time continues, it’s time to prioritize the health and quality of life of the American people by embracing a year-round switch to standard time.