For many years, I was firmly in the “Just pick one and stick to it!” opinion on daylight saving vs. standard time.
And for that, I apologize.
First, for thinking that the main issue was changing my clocks twice a year.
And second, for believing there was no significant difference between permanently adopting one time over the other.
On July 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), a bill that would permanently adopt daylight saving time.
You’d think I would be happy. But I’m not because I now know the science behind it, such as the position of the American Academy for Sleep Medicine (AASM).
In its advocacy toolkit, AASM points out that a permanent change to standard time “aligns more closely with our internal circadian rhythms, which are crucial for regulating sleep, mood and overall well-being. Research has linked the biannual switch to daylight saving time with increased risks of accidents, cardiovascular issues, and mood disturbances, negatively affecting individuals and communities.
“By adopting permanent standard time, we can enhance public safety and well-being.”
Staying up too late
I understand the summertime allure of grilling burgers and sharing beers with neighbors at 8:30 p.m. The fun of summer revolves around seemingly endless daylight hours and staying up late.
But all that late sunshine does not decrease the amount of sleep that humans need to function well. Long summer nights only work if you can sleep as much as you need to the next morning. That might be an option for some kids on summer break. But that opportunity is not afforded kids in year-round school, summer camps and day-care programs. And generally, that “sleep till you wake up naturally near noon” option doesn’t apply to their parents, either.
When you’re up late in June, July and August, but your alarm clock still rings at 6 a.m., the faux daylight hits differently.
The Coalition for Permanent Standard Time notes that the delayed sunrises and sunsets during daylight saving time can increase “the risk of depression, obesity, heart disease, cancer and fatal car crashes.” Daylight saving time makes us leave for work or school in the dark, can make drivers more drowsy as they set off, and clashes with our internal clocks.
It comes down to this: Do we really need to grill hot dogs and splash in the pool at 8:30 p.m.? Or can we call it a night an hour earlier so we’re better rested when that alarm goes off?
Before the July 14 vote, my member of Congress sent out a survey noting that H.R. 139 would lead to “ending the twice-yearly clock changes and keeping evenings brighter year-round.” Despite the clear attempt to lead the witness (me), I responded to the question “Do you think Congress should make daylight saving time permanent?” by checking the “Other” box and writing in that I support the permanent adoption of standard time in alignment with the recommendations of sleep physicians and their research.
Sleep shouldn’t be a partisan issue. And I was wrong with my initial “just pick a time” stance. As I age, my younger, bulletproof sleep patterns are changing. So now I side with science and the people with medical degrees. I need my sleep. And I need the sky to help out.
