Study: Permanent Standard Time May Be Healthier Than Daylight Saving
A new study from Stanford University suggests that sticking to permanent standard time could be slightly healthier than keeping daylight saving time all year round. This comes as the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposed making daylight saving time 2024 permanent, has been delayed in Congress. The time change is set to occur this Sunday, with clocks moving back an hour.
Chronic sleep deprivation, linked to various health issues like heart disease, cognitive decline, and obesity, is a concern for health groups advocating for year-round standard time. Morning light is crucial for resetting the body's circadian rhythm, which influences sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and metabolism. To ease the transition this weekend, experts advise adjusting bedtimes by 15 minutes each night leading up to the change.
In the European Union and some neighboring countries, the biannual clock change occurs on specific dates: the last Sunday in October for standard time and the last Sunday in March for daylight saving time. The upcoming change in the U.S. will see standard time last until March 8, when daylight saving time will resume.
As daylight saving time ends this Sunday, it's important to consider the potential health impacts and adjust accordingly. While the Sunshine Protection Act remains stalled, new research highlights the potential benefits of permanent standard time. By gradually shifting our sleep schedules and ensuring morning light exposure, we can help mitigate the effects of the time change.
