As we approach the end of daylight saving time (DST) and prepare to set our clocks back one hour on the first Sunday in November, it's a good time to delve into the impact this practice has on our health. DST was originally introduced to optimize natural daylight hours, but it gained popularity in the United States during World War I for energy conservation.
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While many of us relish the extra hour of sleep, medical experts suggest that the time change may have unintended consequences on our health. As of this year, a considerable number of U.S. states have contemplated or introduced legislation to eliminate DST altogether. Several states have successfully enacted such laws, and they would transition to year-round DST if approved by the U.S. Congress.
In 2022, there was optimism for change as the U.S. Senate approved the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to make DST permanent starting in November 2023. However, due to the U.S. House of Representatives not taking up the bill, it did not become law.
It's important to note that while some sleep experts support the idea of eliminating the time change permanently, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) opposes the notion of making daylight savings time the permanent time. According to a 2022 position statement by the AASM, they advocate for year-round standard time (or winter time) as it aligns better with human circadian biology and offers benefits for public health and safety.
Now, let's explore the science behind why the biannual time change may not be ideal for our health and discover some tips for managing the transition, as DST remains a part of our lives, at least for now.