Research Shows Ending Daylight Saving Time Could Improve Health

The practice of daylight saving time, which has been observed in the United States for decades, may have detrimental effects on public health. Researchers from Stanford Medicine recently revealed that abolishing the biannual clock changes could significantly reduce the incidence of life-threatening conditions such as strokes and obesity. Their findings suggest that maintaining standard time year-round could prevent an estimated 300,000 strokes annually and reduce the number of obese Americans by 2.6 million.

Dr. Jamie Zeitzer, a professor at Stanford Medicine, emphasized that the disruption caused by changing clocks twice a year negatively impacts the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates essential functions, including hormone production, sleep-wake cycles, and digestion. Disruptions can lead to adverse health effects, including memory loss, fatigue, and delayed healing. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the loss of sleep associated with the start of daylight saving time has been linked to increased instances of heart attacks and fatal traffic accidents.

Research indicates that sleep deprivation also heightens the risk of stroke and obesity. “The more light exposure you get at the wrong times, the weaker the circadian clock,” Dr. Zeitzer stated. Utilizing county-level data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study found that if the U.S. were to adopt permanent daylight saving time, the health benefits would only be about two-thirds of those achieved by sticking to standard time. This change would result in approximately 1.7 million fewer Americans living with obesity and 220,000 fewer strokes.

Despite the potential health benefits, the transition to standard time has been a contentious issue in the U.S. On the first Sunday of November, Americans will set their clocks back, a practice in place since the mid-1960s. Although daylight saving time as it is currently recognized began in 2007, not all states participate; both Hawaii and Arizona do not observe the time change.

Public opinion on daylight saving time has long been divided. Recently, former President Donald Trump and members of Congress from both parties have expressed support for making daylight saving time permanent. Earlier this year, bipartisan legislation was reintroduced to “lock the clock,” although no further action has been taken since.

Advocates for permanent daylight saving time argue that it could conserve energy, reduce crime rates, and provide more leisure time after work. Conversely, proponents of standard time highlight the health benefits associated with increased morning light exposure. “And finally, we have data,” Dr. Zeitzer concluded, reinforcing the urgency of reevaluating the current timekeeping practices for the betterment of public health.

As discussions continue, the implications of these findings may lead to significant changes in how time is managed across the United States, ultimately aiming to foster healthier lifestyles for millions of Americans.