The biannual ritual of changing our clocks, a practice observed by only a third of the world, continues to spark debate. While many enjoy the extended daylight hours during summer, a growing number of experts and citizens are questioning the impact of daylight saving time (DST) on our health and well-being. The core of the debate centers on whether permanent standard time might be a healthier choice.

The Case for Standard Time: Aligning with Our Internal clocks

Erik Herzog, professor of biology” width=”576″ height=”384″>

Erik Herzog, a biology professor at Washington University who specializes in circadian rhythms, is a prominent voice in this discussion. He argues that adhering to permanent standard time could be more beneficial for human health than the current system of switching between standard time and daylight saving time.

Herzog highlights the importance of morning light for synchronizing our internal clocks.He explains that during daylight saving time, people often wake up in the dark and go to bed while it is still light, disrupting this natural synchronization. People can wake up in the dark and go to bed while it is still light during daylight savings time, but they also need early morning light to synchronise their internal clock and not depend on alarm clocks to wake up.

This misalignment,Herzog notes,is similar to jetlag,requiring the body several days to adjust. The consequences of this chronic disruption can be important.

The Unnatural Wake-Up: Alarm Clocks and their Impact

A key concern raised by Herzog is the reliance on alarm clocks. He contends that using an alarm clock to wake up forces us to rouse unnaturally, possibly leading to long-term health problems.

If you’re using your alarm clock to wake up, as many of us do, you’re waking up unnaturally. It turns out that alarm clocks and being forced to wake up when you’re not done sleeping has long-term health consequences.
Erik Herzog, Professor of Biology, Washington University

When our biological clock dictates that we need more sleep, but our alarm forces us awake, we create a state of sleep deprivation and stress. Herzog suggests that these factors can negatively impact cardiovascular and metabolic health.

The illusion of Afternoon Sunshine

While the allure of extended daylight hours in the afternoon is undeniable, Herzog cautions that this extra sunshine can actually hinder our body’s synchronization with local time.

He elaborates, I think it’s doing you plenty of good – you feel good, your mood is elevated – but in terms of synchronising your circadian clock to local time, that light is tending to delay your bed time and delay your wake-up time.

This delay creates a conflict between our biological clock and our social schedules, leading to a state where our bodies are constantly playing catch-up.

Herzog summarizes his concerns: I love sunshine in the afternoon, sure. I love summertime,sure,but I think daylight saving time is not good for our health the way we run it now.

The Silver Lining: Benefits of ‘Falling Back’

Interestingly, Herzog points out that the transition back to standard time, often referred to as ‘falling back,’ appears to have positive effects.

We see in repeated studies around the world a decrease in car accidents the day after falling back. We see a decrease in heart attacks, and we see a decrease in a number of other health and crime-related statistics.

Conversely,the switch to daylight saving time,which involves losing an hour of sleep,is associated with negative consequences.

In contrast, when we switch to daylight savings time and lose an hour of sleep, we see a net increase in heart attacks, car accidents and other bad things that last for about three days, but that’s not the main reason I’m advocating for permanent standard time.

A Nation Divided: The Future of Time in the United States

The debate over daylight saving time is not confined to scientific circles. It has also entered the political arena, with ongoing discussions and proposed legislation at both the state and federal levels.

We have ongoing bills being debated in Congress, usually 2-3 bills per state in all 50 states. Herzog notes. this year, for the first time, we have more bills in favour of permanent standard time than ever before.

While a consensus on the ideal time system remains elusive, the growing support for permanent standard time suggests a potential shift in public opinion and policy.

The Clock is Ticking: Re-evaluating Our Relationship with Time

as we continue to grapple with the implications of daylight saving time, the insights of experts like Professor Herzog offer valuable perspectives. The potential health benefits of aligning our schedules with our natural circadian rhythms warrant serious consideration.Whether the United States will ultimately embrace permanent standard time remains to be seen, but the conversation is undoubtedly gaining momentum.