Is Daylight Saving Time Making You Sick?!

2025-09-25 18:00:23.393

Daylight Saving Time (DST), with its biannual time changes, disrupts our circadian rhythms, leading to potential health problems. A recent Stanford University study compared three scenarios: permanent standard time, permanent DST, and the current system. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, modeled sunlight exposure across the contiguous US and compared it with federal health data to assess the "circadian burden" of each scenario. The results suggest that permanent standard time is the least harmful to our health, reducing the prevalence of obesity and strokes. Experts like Dr. Karin Johnson, a neurology professor, advocate for permanent standard time, emphasizing the importance of aligning our social schedules with the sun's cycle for better sleep, brain function, and overall health. While permanent DST might seem appealing due to longer summer evenings, it would lead to darker winter mornings. Public opinion is divided, with some favoring permanent DST and others supporting permanent standard time. However, researchers caution that circadian rhythms are just one aspect to consider, as other factors such as exercise levels and commuting safety should also be taken into account. Despite arguments for permanent DST, including potential benefits for seasonal depression, energy savings, and reduced crashes, the consensus among sleep experts and health organizations leans towards permanent standard time as the healthier option.