American Academy of Sleep Medicine calls for elimination of daylight saving time (aasm.org)

Article summary

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has called for the elimination of daylight saving time, citing its negative effects on public health and safety. The organization suggests adopting permanent standard time, which it believes aligns more closely with the body's natural circadian rhythms. This change could help reduce the risks of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and mood disturbances associated with the time change. The proposal is based on evidence of the adverse effects of daylight saving time on sleep and overall health.

Main themes

• Daylight Saving Time
• Public Health
• Circadian Rhythms
• Time Zones
• Work Schedules
• Sleep and Health

What commenters say

• Some argue that permanent daylight saving time would be preferable to eliminate the negative effects of the time change while still allowing for more evening daylight.
• Others believe that adopting permanent standard time would be more beneficial for aligning with the body's natural rhythms and reducing health risks.
• A few commenters suggest that instead of changing the clocks, work schedules could be adjusted to accommodate the changing daylight hours throughout the year.
• Some people think that the government should dictate a default time per state based on longitude, allowing for some flexibility in time zones.
• There are concerns that changing work schedules instead of clocks could be confusing and require significant adjustments.
• A few commenters argue that the benefits of daylight saving time, such as increased evening daylight, outweigh the negative effects of the time change.
• Some people propose gradual adjustments to the time throughout the year, rather than a single hour change, to minimize disruptions to sleep and daily routines.