Twice a year, Americans struggle with the fall back and spring forward time changes. Last week, the Senate passed regulation that would make daylight savings time permanent. There are many theoretical benefits to having an extra hour of light in the early evenings all year, including increased shopping leading to economic and business growth, fewer home and business robberies, and possibly fewer traffic accidents. Many sleep scientists, including those at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, argue that standard time, with more morning light instead of evening light, is more aligned with our body’s natural circadian rhythm. When it’s too light at night, people often struggle to fall asleep. When it’s too dark in the morning, many struggle to wake up. Both can lead to sleep deprivation. In fact, a 2019 study found that an extra hour of sunlight in the evening led to 19 fewer minutes of sleep. Rather than making daylight savings time permanent, staying on standard time all year might be better for our sleep and our health.
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