As most of the United States transitions back to standard time this Sunday at 2 a.m. local time, many are looking forward to an extra hour of sleep. However, health experts warn that this clock change may disrupt our biological rhythms, a concern backed by new research.
The end of daylight saving time means that sunrises come earlier and evenings get darker sooner, which some see as a bittersweet switch. While Texans will gain that extra hour of rest, many express regret for missing out on evening daylight—crucial for after-school activities and outdoor fun.
Several health organizations, like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have long pushed for a year-round standard time, advocating that our body clocks align better with natural light. New findings from Stanford University advocate for permanent standard time, reaffirming these claims as beneficial for overall health.
Jamie Zeitzer, from Stanford’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences, explains that our bodies respond significantly to light, affecting our sleep cycles, immune system, and metabolism. Morning sunlight is crucial for signaling wakefulness and regulating melatonin levels later in the day.
Despite the transition back to standard time, many adults and teens struggle with proper rest. One in three adults sleep less than the recommended minimum, contributing to increased incidences of health issues linked to sleep deprivation.
In Congress, the stalled Sunshine Protection Act aims to ensure daylight saving time remains permanent, sparking ongoing discussions about its necessity. As of now, though, communities prepare to adjust one more time to the traditional clock set.
