Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice that is more popular around the world than some Americans may realize. Around 70 countries, including Israel, Egypt, most of Europe, and states and territories in Australia and New Zealand, alter their clocks to create extra light during summer evenings. In the US, DST runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, totaling almost 8 months. However, the US is not alone in the length of their DST, as many western nations also participate in this practice.
There has been a push in many countries to eradicate the practice of daylight saving time. Health experts argue that even changing the clocks by just an hour can have negative effects on people’s health. In 2022, the American Medical Association called for the eradication of DST, stating that it can take months for individuals to adjust to a new sleep schedule with the time changes. Many believe that adopting permanent standard time could lead to more consistent sleep schedules and healthier sleep habits.
Several countries have recently done away with daylight saving time, including Brazil, Russia, and most of Mexico. The European Parliament voted to remove DST in the European Union, following the recommendation of health experts. The trend to abolish DST is growing internationally, with many countries realizing the potential negative impacts on health and well-being. Even some of the world’s most populous countries, such as China, India, and Japan, do not practice DST, as they have chosen not to alter their clocks for lighter evenings in the summer.
In the United States, there is a growing sentiment against the practice of setting the clocks back and forward each year. A majority of Americans are in favor of keeping one consistent time throughout the year, with some advocating for permanent daylight saving time and others for standard time. In 2022, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio sponsored the Sunshine Protection Act, arguing that permanent DST could benefit the economy by allowing people to stay out later and spend more money. However, the US previously had permanent DST for 8 months in 1974, but it was not well-received and the country reverted back to standard time.
Despite the push to eradicate daylight saving time in many countries, there are still strong opinions on both sides of the debate. Polls show that a significant percentage of US adults would like to readopt permanent DST, while others are in favor of standard time. The impact of daylight saving time on people’s health, sleep schedules, and daily routines continues to be a topic of debate among politicians, health experts, and the general public. Ultimately, the decision about whether to keep or abolish DST will likely be informed by a combination of factors, including public opinion, health considerations, and economic benefits.
