Additional Coverage:
- Lawmakers want to make daylight-saving time permanent — health experts say that’s precisely the wrong idea (businessinsider.com)
House Passes Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent, But Health Experts Urge Caution
The U.S. House of Representatives voted decisively on Tuesday to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, approving the Sunshine Protection Act by a 308-117 margin. The measure, supported by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, aims to keep clocks set forward year-round, eliminating the twice-yearly time changes familiar to most Americans.
Among the “yes” votes were 193 Republicans and 114 Democrats, while opposition came from 95 Democrats and 22 Republicans. If enacted, the law would exempt states like Hawaii and Arizona, which currently do not observe DST, and would allow states the option to adopt permanent standard time instead.
Despite strong support in the House, the bill’s future is uncertain in the Senate. A similar proposal passed there unanimously in 2022 but has faced skepticism amid growing concerns from health professionals about the effects of permanent daylight saving time.
Health Experts Favor Permanent Standard Time Over DST
Sleep specialists warn that standard time aligns better with our natural circadian rhythms, improving overall health and well-being. Dr. Akinbolaji Akingbola, a sleep expert at the University of Minnesota Medical School, explained that standard time provides more morning sunlight, which helps us wake up more naturally and makes it easier to fall asleep earlier in the evening.
“The shift to daylight saving time in spring disrupts concentration, reaction times, and mood,” Dr. Akingbola noted.
Research has linked the time change to increased risks of accidents, strokes, and heart attacks. Night owls may take up to a week to adjust after the clocks move forward.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, along with cardiologists, dentists, and safety organizations, advocates for permanent standard time, citing benefits for public health and safety due to better alignment with human biological clocks.
Daylight Saving Time’s Original Purpose and Its Modern Relevance
Initially introduced to save energy by making better use of evening daylight, DST’s effectiveness in energy conservation has always been questionable. The Earth’s rotation ensures a fixed 24-hour day, and while DST shifts daylight hours to later in the day during summer, it does not actually “save” time.
The practice is less impactful in regions near the equator, such as Hawaii, where daylight hours remain fairly constant throughout the year.
Though business interests often favor extended evening daylight to encourage consumer activity, health experts caution that the negative impacts on sleep and health should not be overlooked. Historically, a year-round DST experiment in 1974 was repealed within 10 months after widespread public dissatisfaction with dark winter mornings.
Tips for Better Sleep Regardless of the Clock
Dr. Akingbola recommends maintaining a consistent sleep schedule as the most important step toward better rest. Additional strategies include exposing yourself to natural light in the morning, cooling your bedroom at night, and creating a quiet sleeping environment.
Aligning our daily routines with a biologically appropriate schedule can enhance mental clarity, support the brain’s restorative processes during sleep, and improve mood and problem-solving abilities.
As the debate over the Sunshine Protection Act continues, balancing convenience and economic benefits with health considerations remains at the forefront of this ongoing discussion.