Most of America is set to transition back to standard time, allowing everyone an extra hour of sleep as clocks are set back one hour. The shift happens at 2 a.m. local time this Sunday, and while many welcome the additional hour, the end of daylight saving time often brings mixed feelings.
This seasonal adjustment can be challenging, particularly the spring switch that involves losing an hour of sleep. As days grow shorter in fall, this transition might mean less daylight for activities after school or work.
Health organizations have long lobbied for the adoption of standard time year-round. New evidence from Stanford University supports this, showing that switching between time formats negatively impacts health. Their research indicates that maintaining either time has benefits, with a slight edge given to permanent standard time for its alignment with the human circadian rhythm.
Jamie Zeitzer, co-director of Stanford’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences, elaborates: “The brain acts as a central clock, coordinating various body systems like an orchestra. Disruptions in these rhythms lead to decreased efficiency in functions like metabolism and immune response.”
Morning sunlight is particularly crucial in maintaining this internal schedule, signaling our bodies to stay alert during the day and rest at night. However, exposure to artificial light in the evenings can cause melatonin production to lag, further disrupting sleep quality.
Every change in the clock can disturb sleep schedules, making it vital to adjust gradually. In preparation for the upcoming switch, experts recommend going to bed earlier and ensuring morning exposure to light, preferably by taking time outdoors.
Despite advocacy for a permanent switch, the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes making daylight saving time permanent, has seen little progress in Congress. As discussions continue, families across the nation will adapt to standard time until the next inevitable change in March.
