Daylight saving time (DST) will conclude on Sunday, marking a transition that many Americans will experience with an extra hour of sleep. Yet, a recent study from Stanford University suggests that this biannual clock adjustment may be more harmful than beneficial, calling for a reevaluation of the practice altogether.
In Berkeley, student Eugene You, originally from Asia, expressed surprise upon learning about the time change. He noted that he has never personally adjusted a clock for DST. “I had no idea you’d have to actually adjust the clocks,” said the 20-year-old philosophy major at UC Berkeley. Meanwhile, fellow student Thomas Tang, studying economics, took the shift in stride. “It doesn’t matter too much, but I’ll take one more hour of sleep,” he remarked while enjoying a slice of pizza.
The transition can be more challenging for families. Local resident Catherine shared that the change often confuses her young children. “I know it’s really confusing for the kids when we pick them up from daycare and it’s already dark outside,” she said. Catherine has two sons, ages 2 and 4, and believes they will eventually adjust to the change in time, despite the initial confusion.
While millions prepare to “fall back” this weekend, the debate over daylight saving time continues. The Stanford study, published in September 2023, highlights significant health concerns linked to the twice-yearly clock adjustments. According to the researchers, these shifts can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to a range of health issues, including obesity and strokes.
The study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on health impacts associated with permanent adherence to either standard time or daylight saving time. The findings suggest that eliminating DST could prevent obesity in over 2.6 million people and reduce stroke cases by as many as 200,000 to 300,000.
Interestingly, daylight saving time is not universally observed. Many countries, particularly in Asia, do not adopt the practice, and within the United States, states like Arizona and Hawaii remain on standard time year-round. A Gallup poll conducted earlier this year revealed that a slight majority of Americans are in favor of abolishing daylight saving time, with only 40% supporting its continuation—down from approximately 75% in the late 1990s.
Despite the study’s alarming conclusions, the researchers acknowledged that their data does not account for all variables, stating, “One size most definitely does not fit all.” This sentiment resonates with students like Onyinye Boardman, who expressed indifference toward the time change. “Honestly, I’ve had this same talk with my mom before—why do we even bother?” she pondered. Boardman, a media studies major, noted that most of her clocks adjust automatically, making the time change feel unnecessary.
As the end of daylight saving time approaches, the ongoing discussion about its relevance and impact on health continues to gain traction. Whether or not a permanent shift to standard time will ever be realized remains uncertain. For now, millions will set their clocks back, gaining an extra hour, but perhaps also prompting further reflection on the need for this twice-yearly ritual.
