Clocks will spring forward an hour this Sunday at 2 a.m. for daylight saving time in most of the U.S., leading to a shorter day and disrupting many people’s sleep. This shift often leads to complaints from those who struggle with the change.
Surveys show that most Americans aren’t fans of changing clocks twice a year. A recent AP-NORC poll revealed that only 10% of U.S. adults support the current system. Many want daylight saving time to be permanent, while others prefer standard time.
The debate has roots going back to the 1880s when railroads began standardizing time zones. Today, nearly half of the 140 countries that once had daylight saving now opt out. The effects of the clock change are evident: people are affected both mentally and physically. Experts like Karin Johnson, a neurology professor, argue that sticking to one time, especially standard time, would benefit our health.
Some lawmakers are pushing for change. Nineteen states have called for permanent daylight saving time, but Congress would need to approve any changes. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers points to the airline industry’s concerns as a reason for the hesitation.
Another viewpoint comes from U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, who suggested a compromise by moving the clock halfway. This could lead to confusion, as it would put the U.S. out of sync with most countries.
Further complicating matters, experts note that darker mornings can lead to more accidents and health risks. The risk of heart attacks and vehicle crashes tends to spike after the clock changes.
For states like Arizona and Hawaii, which don’t observe daylight saving time, sticking to their current schedule seems more feasible. Meanwhile, efforts in states like Virginia to switch to permanent standard time often depend on neighboring states making the same choice.
Scott Yates, who promotes the “Lock the Clock” campaign, advocates for a law that allows states to choose between daylight saving or standard time, but not both. Until then, Yates advises people to take advantage of the change by getting extra sleep on Monday to ensure safety and well-being.
Recent Studies & Stats: Health experts are increasingly concerned about the impact of clock changes. A study in the Journal of Sleep Research found that people lose an average of 40 minutes of sleep the night after clocks spring forward, raising fears about long-term health effects.
With plenty of chatter on social media about the upcoming change, one key takeaway remains clear: it’s time to reassess the concept of changing clocks altogether.
For more information, you can check out the AP-NORC poll.
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