Congress is close to making daylight saving time (DST) permanent in the U.S. However, health experts warn that this shift might have negative health consequences. Some believe Americans may never fully adjust. For years, legislators have aimed to make DST permanent, arguing that changing clocks is outdated. They claim extra evening sunlight could boost the economy and health.
Sunshine Protection Act
The legislation titled the Sunshine Protection Act passed the House with 308 votes in favor and 117 against. Next, it heads to the Senate. If passed, President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to sign it into law. This would mean all but two states adopt permanent DST, leading to less morning sunlight and more in the evening.
Experts question whether extra evening daylight will encourage exercise. Dr. Karin Johnson from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that people usually don’t exercise more. New exercisers remain unlikely, despite the time shift. Johnson added that the extra daylight correlates with over 10% higher obesity rates and increased heart disease rates.
Effects on Health
Switching to permanent DST raises concerns. People find it hard to adapt due to misalignment with natural circadian rhythms. According to Michael Grandner from the University of Arizona, small reductions in sleep can accumulate into significant public health issues. Dr. James Rowley asserts that a shift in circadian alignment can increase cardio-metabolic problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. Inadequate sleep could lead to weakened vaccine responses and increased cancer risks.
Research highlights that night shift work raises breast, skin, and gastrointestinal cancer risks by 19%, with a 3.3% increase for every five years worked. Teenagers face particular challenges, as they already struggle with early morning schedules. Studies suggest unproductive mornings in high schools could worsen.
Johnson points out that poor sleep affects many areas, including reaction times—a critical factor for drivers. Once treated for sleep issues, people realize life improves significantly. Rowley adds that poor sleep leads to unhealthier dietary choices, with increased sugar intake.
Geographical Impact and Legislative Details
While most Americans, excluding those in Arizona and Hawaii, would feel the impact, effects could vary by location. Grandner notes that people on the western edge of a time zone would face more significant biological shifts.
Under the new bill, clocks wouldn’t change twice a year. Instead, DST would last year-round, replacing the current system of switching between DST and standard time. Two states—Arizona and Hawaii—opted to remain on standard time since the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Navajo Nation in Arizona continues to observe DST.
Sunrise and Sunset Changes
If DST becomes permanent, sunrise and sunset times will change. Many regions could see sunrise after 8 a.m., with sunsets from about 5:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Senate Vote and Expert Opinions
The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote on the Sunshine Protection Act. Bill supporters are urging a vote soon. Experts lean toward permanent standard time, which aligns better with the sun. A bill advocating permanent standard time exists, but its future is uncertain following the House’s recent vote.
Rowley asserted, “The worst option is what we have now. We’ve been causing ourselves unnecessary jet lag for no good reason. Twice a year! These changes lead to small but meaningful health impacts. Let’s eliminate these ripples.” The evidence supports permanent standard time as more aligned with human biology.