Daylight Saving Time (DST) has become a contentious issue with lawmakers, sleep experts, educators, parents, and airlines weighing in with their own opinions. The Sunshine Protection Act, which passed the Senate in March 2022, proposes making DST permanent year round. Proponents of the bill argue that it would benefit commerce and exercise while eliminating the annual transition. On the other hand, opponents are concerned about the potential health risks and disruption of our circadian rhythms.
Sleep doctors, in particular, are alarmed by potential health risks associated with time shifts. Studies have shown that these shifts can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, sleep deprivation, mood swings and obesity. Educators and parents have also expressed their concerns, noting that students face heightened safety risks when they have to commute to school in the dark. Airlines have urged lawmakers to keep the status quo due to disruptions to passenger and all-cargo airline schedules and radio stations have been against permanent DST as AM stations are required to reduce transmitter power when the sun is down.
Despite the opposition, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of DST, from reductions in crime and energy use to increased exercise rates. A recent poll showed that 44 percent of Americans prefer permanent DST compared to 13 percent who want standard time year-round. As a result, 19 states have passed bills to implement permanent DST if the law is changed by Congress. The initial push for DST expansion was driven by a coalition of golf companies, retailers and other business interests, while insurers have lobbied Congress to reduce motor vehicle crashes.
As we prepare to “spring forward” for one hour, it is important to remember the potential benefits and risks associated with the time change. Fire safety advocates use the twice-a-year time change as a reminder for people to test their smoke detectors and to change batteries, and carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked. Whether or not DST will become a permanent change remains to be seen but it is clear that the debate will continue for some time.