In the United States, there is active debate over whether to switch to permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST), with numerous states proposing legislation to override the periodic biannual clock changes. This debate encompasses a number of health implications, but would necessarily require federal approval for any such permanent change. But, the big question is: will attempts by states to change standard time to Daylight Saving Time have real effects on health, productivity, and the economy that we are not aware of, until now?
Health implications of the permanent time change
- Disruption of circadian rhythm: The period of adaptation to permanent daylight saving time could disrupt the body’s own circadian cycles and induce sleep disturbances. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine opposes permanent daylight saving time, preferring a permanent standard time that is more aligned with people’s biological rhythms.
- Increased health risks: The literature notes that schedule modifications are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. A research paper in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reports that following sleep schedule modification increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- Mental health concerns: The non-conformity of social schedules with those exposed to natural daylight could induce health disorders, in a summer schedule. A study in the Journal of Health Economics indicates a correlation of this non-conformity with an increase in the rate of depression. .
Legislative action at the state level for the change from daylight saving time to winter time:
- States advocating for permanent daylight saving time: As of 2023, 19 states, including Florida, Washington, and California, have enacted laws or passed resolutions supporting year-round daylight saving time. However, federal law currently prohibits states from adopting Daylight Saving Time permanently without congressional approval.
- Federal legislative efforts: The “Sunshine Protection Act,” introduced by Senator Marco Rubio, aims to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide. Although it passed the Senate in 2022, it has stalled in the House of Representatives, leaving the bill’s future uncertain.
Public opinion and expert recommendations on the time change
Public opinion is leaning toward eliminating twice-yearly time changes, according to a YouGov poll, which reveals that 68% of Americans favor ending the practice. Opinions, however, remain divided between those who advocate a permanent daylight saving time, or a permanent standard time. Health experts, particularly the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, prefer a permanent standard time to reduce potential health risks for circadian mismatch sufferers.
The debate over permanently changing daylight saving time in the United States is complicated, in that it is not only tied to health, but also to legislative policy processes and public opinion. Some states are calling for a single year-round time system, while others insist that federal government approval is an insurmountable obstacle. Ongoing research and expert analysis continue to inform this important policy debate.
