Winter time or summer time? What the science says about the best option for health
Permanent standard time would be better for health, experts say, while once again we are to change our clocks over the weekend.
As many countries prepare to revert to winter, or standard, time this weekend, a recent analysis highlights the potential health benefits of foregoing daylight saving time. The seasonal change, implemented to conserve energy during World War I and revived in the 1970s, has long been a subject of debate due to its impact on sleep, mood, and overall well-being.
Raymond Lam, a professor of psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, argues that standard time aligns better with the sun and promotes early morning light exposure, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and supporting alertness. While proponents of permanent daylight saving time argue that longer evenings can enhance leisure, commuting, and economic activity, experts warn that this shift delays sunrise during winter months, leaving people exposed to darkness upon waking and traveling to work or school.
The analysis, led by Raymond Lam, strongly recommends retaining standard time as the optimal choice for public health, suggesting that governments carefully consider the long-term consequences of such a decision, including safer morning travel, flexible start times, and monitoring of sleep, mental health, and injuries.
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