As the US govt wants to change the clock 'forever', researchers in Canada warn

The U.S. government's push to make Daylight Saving Time permanent has met opposition from both Capitol Hill and the medical community. President Donald Trump has pushed for the measure, citing the extra evening sunlight for recreation and business. However, growing scientific evidence suggests the policy could cause long-term public health issues.

While the Senate passed a bill in 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, it stalled in the House. The debate was reignited this week with a research review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, which found that permanent daylight saving time is less healthy than permanent standard time. The Canadian researchers argue that the human circadian rhythm is naturally set to a cycle of about 24.2 hours and relies on morning sunlight to reset essential bodily functions.

They caution that extended evening light and darker winter mornings are contrary to the body's biological rhythm, potentially disrupting sleep, mood, and productivity. While abolishing biannual clock changes eliminates a few weeks of acute disruption each year, the researchers conclude that the consequences of permanent daylight saving time would be chronic.

The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent, passed in the House this year but faces roadblocks in the Senate, where some Republicans oppose it. The impasse has prompted President Trump to escalate public pressure, including posting the personal mobile phone number of a Senate opponent on social media.

Canadian researchers also warn that if the U.S. adopts permanent daylight saving time, it would put severe economic pressure on Canada to follow suit, regardless of medical advice.