As daylight saving time approaches on Sunday, March 10, many Americans are preparing to “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, growing research highlights the serious health and safety risks associated with daylight saving time. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is urging policymakers to eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of permanent standard time, a move supported by the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time.
“Studies show that abrupt time shifts disrupt our circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, and even a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. James A. Rowley, president of the AASM. “The days following the time change also see spikes in workplace accidents, traffic collisions, and medical errors due to sleep deprivation and impaired cognitive function.”
According to an AASM survey, 64% of U.S. adults favor replacing seasonal time changes with a fixed, year-round schedule. Although the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, proposing permanent daylight saving time, experts warn this could delay sunrise during winter months, making mornings darker. This shift poses risks for children commuting to school and increases difficulty waking up for work and school.
“Adopting a fixed time year-round is essential for prioritizing sleep health, but it should be standard time,” Rowley emphasized. “Standard time aligns with our body’s natural internal clock, allowing for better sleep quality and duration. This consistency supports both physical and mental well-being.”
As daylight saving time approaches, many Americans may struggle with the transition. To help minimize fatigue and sleep disruptions, the AASM offers the following tips:
- Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night before and after the time change to maintain a consistent routine.
- Gradually shift bedtime and wake-up time by 15-20 minutes earlier for a few days leading up to the change.
- Adjust daily routines that act as “time cues” for your body, such as meal times and exercise schedules.
- Set clocks ahead one hour on the evening of March 9 and go to bed at your regular time.
- Spend time outdoors in the morning light after the time change to help reset your internal clock and regulate alertness.
The Coalition for Permanent Standard Time includes founding organizations such as the AASM, National Sleep Foundation, Save Standard Time, Sleep Research Society, and Society for Research on Biological Rhythms. For more information on daylight saving time and resources related to sleep disorders and health, visit SleepEducation.org.
