The Great Daylight Saving Time Debate: Why Experts Want to End the Clock Change Forever

In just a few days, millions of Americans will participate in the annual ritual of “springing forward” as daylight saving time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday. While this means more evening sunlight and the unofficial start of spring, it also comes with a hidden cost: disrupted sleep patterns, potential health risks, and a growing chorus of experts calling for an end to this century-old practice.

The Science Behind the Time Change

When clocks jump forward by one hour this weekend, you’ll lose precious sleep but gain extended daylight in the evenings. This shift affects more than just your schedule—it disrupts your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and even mood.

Nasha Addarich Martinez, managing editor at CNET, explains the real impact: “Most sleep experts don’t like time changes because any time change disrupts our circadian rhythm, even if it’s only an hour. This can lead to chronic sleep loss and reduced sleep quality—especially REM and deep sleep phases.”

The consequences extend beyond grogginess. Martinez warns that “the sleepiness also poses safety risks,” citing increased accident rates in the days following the time change. Studies have shown a spike in car accidents, workplace injuries, and even heart attacks in the week after we lose that hour of sleep.

The Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time Debate

Currently, we’re wrapping up standard time—the local time in your time zone that aligns with the sun’s position. On Sunday, we’ll switch to daylight saving time, moving clocks forward by one hour. This adjustment means daylight lasts longer into the evening hours, which many people enjoy for outdoor activities and extended daylight after work.

However, this comes at a cost. Delayed sunrises mean darker mornings, which can affect everything from school start times to morning commutes. The Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, an advocacy group pushing to end time changes, argues that this misalignment from our body’s natural rhythm leads to depression, safety concerns during dark commutes, and overall health issues.

States That Have Already Opted Out

While federal law controls time zones and the duration of daylight saving time, individual states have the right to exempt themselves from observing DST entirely. Several states and territories have already made this choice:

• American Samoa
• Most of Arizona
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Virgin Islands

These regions have recognized that the benefits of consistent timekeeping outweigh the perceived advantages of seasonal time changes.

The Legislative Battle: Will Time Changes End?

The movement to make daylight saving time permanent has gained significant momentum in recent years. In 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the Senate with bipartisan support, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent across the United States. However, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives and never became law.

Senator Rick Scott of Florida reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025-2026, but as of now, no significant progress has been made. The legislative process remains complex, with debates about whether permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time would be more beneficial for public health and safety.

How to Prepare for the Time Change

If you’re dreading the upcoming clock change, experts recommend several strategies to minimize the impact:

Start shifting your bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night this week to gradually adjust your sleep schedule. Seek out early morning sunlight, even if it means getting up earlier than usual—natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm. Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine late in the day, and try to maintain your regular exercise routine to help your body adapt more smoothly.

For parents of young children, the transition can be particularly challenging. Pediatricians recommend gradually adjusting nap and feeding schedules in the days leading up to the change to minimize disruption to your child’s routine.

The Future of Time in America

As the debate continues, public opinion increasingly favors ending the twice-yearly time changes. Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans would prefer to stop changing their clocks, though there’s less consensus on whether permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time would be better.

Sleep experts generally advocate for permanent standard time, arguing that it better aligns with our natural circadian rhythms and provides health and safety benefits. However, supporters of permanent daylight saving time point to the economic and lifestyle benefits of extended evening daylight.

Whatever the future holds, one thing is clear: the twice-yearly clock changes that have been a part of American life for generations may soon become a thing of the past. As more states opt out and legislative efforts continue, we may be witnessing the beginning of the end for this controversial practice.

For now, prepare for the upcoming change by adjusting your schedule gradually, prioritizing sleep, and remembering that brighter evenings are just around the corner—even if they come at the cost of an hour of sleep this weekend.

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