Ending clock changes? Health evidence favors permanent standard time over daylight saving
Several Canadian jurisdictions are moving toward ending the twice-yearly clock change, but a new analysis published in Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that eliminating the clock change is only half the decision: Governments must also decide whether to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time. Both choices have trade-offs.
The article discusses the ongoing debate over ending the seasonal clock changes in Canada and the subsequent decision of whether to adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time. While ending the clock changes solves one issue, it creates another decision that must be made. The health evidence favors permanent standard time, as morning light is crucial for our body clocks, sleep, and mood.
Permanent daylight saving time, on the other hand, pushes sunrise an hour later during winter, leaving more people waking up in darkness. This may have negative effects on mood, sleep, and overall health, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, shift and early-start workers, and those living in rural or lower-income communities.
Despite these potential drawbacks, permanent daylight saving time does have advantages, such as providing more light in the evenings for recreational and economic activities.
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