Jenna Ashkenazie
Every November, Americans prepare to turn their clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) and the return to Standard Time. This shift effectively moves an hour of daylight from the evening to the morning, helping to brighten the darker winter mornings. In March, the clocks “spring forward” again, and Daylight Saving Time resumes, extending daylight into the evening hours.
Daylight Saving Time was first implemented during World War I as a strategy to conserve energy. It was repealed after the war, reinstated during World War II, and finally standardized nationwide with the passage of the Uniform Time Act in 1966, which set consistent start and end dates.
Who Observes – and Who Doesn’t
Not all countries – and not even all U.S. states – follow DST. Hawaii, due to its equatorial location, and most of Arizona, due to its desert climate, observe Standard Time year-round. The Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona is an exception and does follow DST.
Most of Asia, South America, and Africa also do not observe Daylight Saving Time. These regions are located closer to the equator, where the amount of daylight remains relatively consistent year-round, making clock changes largely unnecessary.
A National Debate: Should DST Be Permanent?
In recent years, the relevance of Daylight Saving Time has come under scrutiny. Some argue it’s an outdated practice that disrupts sleep and daily rhythms. Others advocate for making DST permanent to take advantage of longer evening daylight.
Among the most vocal proponents of permanent DST is U.S. Secretary of State and former Florida Senator Marco Rubio. Along with Washington Senator Patty Murray, he introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill aiming to eliminate the biannual clock change and maintain Daylight Saving Time year-round.
Rubio stated, “Americans are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year – it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than a benefit to them.”
Health Experts Push Back
Despite public support for permanent DST, many sleep and health experts urge caution. They argue that permanent Standard Time – not DST – is more beneficial to human health.
Dr. Alaina Tiani, a clinical health psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorder Center, emphasizes the biological importance of morning light.
“Sticking to Standard Time is undeniably better for our health. We would have more light in the mornings, and having more of that light exposure at those earlier times is essentially better for our body’s rhythms.”
Morning light helps regulate the circadian rhythm, our internal biological clock that influences critical functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
Sleep, Learning, and Behavior
Children, in particular, may benefit from permanent Standard Time. According to Dr. Karin Johnson, studies have shown that students living in areas that follow Standard Time perform better on standardized tests like the SAT.
She notes that earlier sunrises, while sometimes seen as a nuisance, could be beneficial:
“You’re more likely to be able to sleep through those early sunrise hours. They also come with earlier sunsets, which could make falling asleep at night easier – especially for your kids.”
Earlier daylight may also encourage healthy routines such as morning exercise and reduce reliance on artificial light in the mornings.
Lack of sleep due to circadian misalignment has been linked to a range of serious issues, including mental health disorders, risky behavior, poor academic performance, and even lower employment salaries. Dr. Johnson adds,
“We know that a lot of the drivers for people becoming criminals increase in the sleep-deprived population.”
Arguments in Favor of Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Despite medical concerns, many politicians and members of the public support staying on DST year-round, citing both social and economic benefits.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, permanent DST could reduce household energy usage by minimizing the need for lighting and appliance use in the evening—a claim supported by a U.S. Department of Energy study.
Safety may also improve. The Brookings Institution found that crime rates drop when daylight is extended into the evening hours:
“Offenders know they’re more likely to be recognized and get caught if they’re fully visible.”
Steve P. Calandrillo of the University of Washington further explains that:
“Crime rates are lower by 30 percent in the morning-to-afternoon hours, even when those morning hours occur before sunrise, when it’s still dark.”
Potential Downsides to Permanent DST
Still, the shift to permanent DST is not without its risks. Northwestern Medicine reports that DST has been linked to an increased risk of various health problems, from cognitive and mental health issues to heart disease and digestive disorders.
Neurologist Dr. Beth Ann Malow warns:
“The misalignment of our natural circadian rhythms can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.”
Lack of sleep and circadian disruption also contribute to lower productivity in workplaces and schools. Dr. Ilene M. Rosen of the University of Pennsylvania notes:
“Employers are recognizing the costs of poor sleep in their employees,” adding that there’s “a strong U-shaped relationship between absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees come to work while physically or mentally not well, which leads to decreased productivity) and hours of sleep.”
In educational settings, students – especially those at earlystarting schools like yeshivot – may find it harder to focus and stay safe when leaving home in the dark.
Lessons from Around the World
Other countries have experimented with permanent DST – with mixed results. In 2011, Russia adopted permanent DST but reversed the decision in 2014 after widespread public dissatisfaction and health complaints.
According to TimeandDate.com, medical studies found a spike in morning road accidents, particularly in northern regions. The backlash was so strong that the government passed a law to reinstate permanent Standard Time instead.
Russia’s experience serves as a cautionary tale: even well-intentioned changes can produce unintended consequences.
What’s Next for the U.S.?
With public opinion split and expert opinions largely favoring Standard Time, the future of clock changes in the U.S. remains uncertain. Bills like the Sunshine Protection Act have garnered support in Congress, but no federal law has yet been passed to make DST permanent.
While it’s tempting to embrace more evening light year-round, the trade-offs to health, safety, and productivity need to be carefully considered. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: any decision should be made with the full picture in view—not just what feels convenient.
In the end, only time will tell…