Why Daylight Saving Time Messes Us Up—And What Science Says About Fixing It

Twice a year, we go through a collective groan as we either gain or lose an hour of sleep thanks to daylight saving time (DST). While “falling back” in November might feel like a small gift, “springing forward” in March? That’s a cruel joke. But why does it feel so awful? It’s just an hour, right?

We All Have a Body Clock

Well, blame your body clock—or, more scientifically, your circadian rhythm. Our bodies run on an internal 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep, metabolism, and even mood. This clock isn’t just about when we feel tired—it’s deeply connected to light exposure, which means that suddenly shifting the clock forward or backward can throw everything out of whack. And yes, science backs up what you’re probably feeling: daylight saving time can have serious health consequences.

And The Experts Say…

So, would it be better to ditch DST altogether? Experts overwhelmingly say yes—but there’s a debate over whether we should stick with standard time or permanent daylight saving time. And here’s something you might not know: losing that one hour in the spring is linked to more accidents, heart attacks, and even strokes. So, let’s break it all down—why daylight saving time is such a mess, who still follows it, and whether we should just end this time-shifting madness once and for all.

What Is Our Body Clock, and Why Does It Hate Daylight Saving Time?

Our body clock, or circadian rhythm, is like an internal timekeeper that controls everything from sleep cycles to hormone production. The main cue for keeping this clock on track? Light.

Your Brain Loves Light

Your brain relies on natural sunlight to tell it when to be alert and when to wind down for sleep. That’s why bright light in the morning helps wake you up, and dim lighting at night makes you sleepy. It’s also why looking at your phone before bed can keep you wired—it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

Springing Ahead Creates Issues

Now, imagine what happens when we suddenly shift the clocks forward an hour in the spring. Your body is still in winter mode, expecting darkness when your alarm goes off. But now, the clock is saying, “Nope! Time to get up!” even though your body isn’t ready. That’s why you feel groggy, sluggish, and out of sync after the time change.

Falling Back, Not So Much

On the flip side, when we set the clocks back in the fall, we get an extra hour of sleep, which isn’t as disruptive. But even then, the earlier sunset can throw some people off, making evenings feel unnaturally long and dark.

Does Daylight Saving Time Really Cause More Accidents and Heart Attacks?

Yes, and the numbers don’t lie. Studies have shown that in the days following the switch to daylight saving time, heart attacks, strokes, workplace injuries, and even car crashes increase.

• Heart Attacks: A 2014 study in the journal Open Heart found that heart attack rates jump 24% on the Monday after the springtime change. Meanwhile, when we gain an hour in the fall, heart attack rates drop by 21%—further proof that sleep disruption plays a major role in heart health.
• Car Crashes: According to a 2020 study published in Current Biology, fatal car accidents increase by 6% the week after we lose an hour. The shift messes with our alertness, reaction time, and judgment, making driving more dangerous.
• Workplace Injuries: A study of U.S. workplaces found that injuries spike the Monday after the clocks change, with workers also suffering more severe injuries than usual.

So yes, that lost hour isn’t just an annoyance—it has real consequences.

Would It Be Better to Stay on Standard Time?

Most experts say yes, but here’s where things get tricky. Some people think we should make daylight saving time permanent, while others argue we should stay on standard time year-round.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) strongly supports staying on permanent standard time because it’s more in sync with our natural body clock. Standard time means more morning light and less artificial light exposure late at night, which supports better sleep, mood, and overall health.

Or, Go The Other Way

On the other hand, some lawmakers have pushed for permanent daylight saving time so we can enjoy more evening sunlight. That might sound nice, but here’s the problem: in the winter, that would mean super late sunrises—think 8:30 or even 9:00 a.m. in some places. That’s bad news for sleep cycles, students heading to school in the dark, and morning commuters who rely on daylight.

We actually tried permanent DST once in the U.S. back in 1974, but it was so unpopular—partly because kids were waiting for the school bus in pitch darkness—that Congress reversed it after less than a year.

Who Opts Out of Daylight Saving Time?

Not everyone! Hawaii and most of Arizona have opted out of DST, meaning they don’t change their clocks at all. Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also ignore DST.

And Globally?

Globally, the rules vary. Most of Europe still follows daylight saving time, shifting clocks in March and October. But many countries, including Japan, China, and India, have ditched it entirely. In fact, over 60 countries have abandoned daylight saving time because they found it unnecessary or disruptive.

Why Do We Even Have Daylight Saving Time?

The usual explanation is that DST was introduced to save energy, but the reality is more complicated. The modern version of DST was first widely used during World War I and World War II to conserve fuel. It was reintroduced in the U.S. in 1966 as part of the Uniform Time Act, with the idea that more evening sunlight would reduce electricity use.

Does It “Work”?

But studies now show that DST doesn’t actually save much energy—if anything, the impact is tiny. People might use less lighting in the evening, but they run air conditioners longer and turn on electronics earlier in the morning. So, the original justification for DST doesn’t hold up anymore.

So… Should We Get Rid of Daylight Saving Time?

Most experts (and let’s be honest, most people) think the clock-changing ritual is outdated and unnecessary. The real debate is whether we should switch to permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time.

The scientific consensus leans toward permanent standard time, but lawmakers seem more drawn to permanent DST because people like the idea of more evening sunlight. The Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes making DST permanent, has been introduced in the U.S. multiple times but hasn’t passed yet. Until Congress makes a decision, we’ll keep switching back and forth like we always have.

Final Thoughts: Should We Just Stop the Madness?

If you feel awful every time we switch the clocks, you’re not imagining it—daylight saving time really does mess with your body. Science says that losing even one hour of sleep can affect your health, increase accident risks, and make you miserable for days.

Would we all be better off without it? Probably. But if we do finally put an end to daylight saving time, experts agree: sticking with standard time is the healthiest choice for our bodies and minds.

Until then? Set those alarms, stock up on coffee, and brace yourself—because whether we like it or not, the clock is changing again soon.

Is Stress Stealing Your Sleep? Here’s How to Take It Back

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READ: Is Stress Stealing Your Sleep? Here’s How to Take It Back

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