Will permanent Daylight Saving Time impact our health? Here’s what experts say

The end of Daylight Saving Time, an autumn tradition in which the United States, Europe, most of Canada, and a few other nations turn their clocks back one hour to simulate Groundhog Day, is almost approaching.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, which was passed by the US Senate in March and, if it becomes law, would make Daylight Saving Time permanent, disagrees.

Studies conducted over the past 25 years have revealed that the hour change throws off physiological rhythms tuned to the Earth's rotation, fuelling the argument that there should be no daylight-saving time at all.


When we turn our clocks back in the fall, we enter standard time, which is much more similar to the length of a day in the sun
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has urged the end of Daylight-Saving Time:

The best available data favours the implementation of year-round standard time because it best satisfies human circadian rhythms and offers clear advantages for public health and safety.

A Few medical centres have endorsed the proposal

According to studies, social jet lag affects the digestive and endocrine systems, shortens our sleep time, and increases the risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It also worsens mood disorders like depression.

According to a statement from the Society for Sleep Medicine, making the time change permanent would exacerbate the chronic effects of any sleep loss because as people have to go an hour early to work for five months in a year.

FAQs:

1. What is daylight saving also called?
   Daylight saving is also called social jet lag.
2. Which countries practice daylight saving?
   USA, UK and Canada practice daylight saving.