The US House of Representatives has voted to pass a bill establishing permanent daylight saving time. This change seeks to eliminate the need to adjust the clocks twice a year, a practice that is increasingly less popular among citizens, reports the Associated Press (AP).

Despite lawmakers' intentions, a recent poll revealed that only 12% of American adults support the time change, while almost half oppose it.

The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorse a fixed schedule, highlighting the importance of biological rhythms.

Lessons from the past

History shows that permanent daylight saving time was previously attempted in the 1970s, but quickly ended following concerns about the safety of children in schools.

Experts suggest that any intention to change must consider daylight differences that will vary depending on geographic location.

The bill faces resistance in the Senate, where some Republican senators, such as Tom Cotton, have expressed displeasure, arguing that it could mean darker winters. In addition, questions are raised about the appropriateness of time zones in a country as large as the United States.

Possible benefits of permanent daylight saving time

Maintaining permanent daylight saving time could have some indirect health benefits (more physical activity, socialization, somewhat less crime and some improvement in mood for some people), but most scientific societies consider that, compared to standard time, it is not the healthiest option for the biological clock.

Direct potential benefits

A simple example: in cities where the sun sets very early in winter, moving the time forward makes leaving work coincide with daylight, favoring walking and doing errands on foot instead of going directly home.

Benefits of eliminating the biennial change

Discussed positive effects

Important nuances for health

Although permanent daylight saving time has these potential benefits, leading sleep medicine and neurology societies recommend permanent standard time as a healthier option, because it better aligns with the actual sunrise and sunset, improves sleep quality, and reduces chronic load on the internal clock.

With fixed daylight saving time, in winter many people would wake up even further from the actual sunrise, which can lead to lack of sleep, poorer cognitive performance and more long-term metabolic risk, especially in adolescents and people with rigid schedules.

Ultimately

If you compare “permanent daylight saving time” with the current system of biennial change, there are possible health benefits: fewer repeated circadian imbalances, more daylight in the afternoon, more physical activity, less crime and some relief from seasonal depression.

Comparing “permanent daylight saving time” with “permanent standard time,” current evidence suggests that standard wins on sleep and metabolic health, and that fixed daylight saving time is more of a compromise that privileges evening light and lifestyle over optimal alignment with the biological clock.

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