Summary
A study by Stanford Medicine suggests that ending the biannual change between standard time and daylight saving time could improve health for many Americans. Researchers found that keeping permanent standard time would benefit circadian rhythms and reduce cases of obesity and strokes more than either permanent daylight saving time or the current biannual shifting. Despite some support for change, there is disagreement over which time should become permanent.
Key Facts
- Changing clocks twice a year might harm health more than help.
- The study highlights that permanent standard time would be the healthiest option.
- Researchers found that permanent standard time could reduce strokes by 300,000 cases annually.
- Permanent standard time could lead to 2.6 million fewer people with obesity.
- Permanent daylight saving time would also reduce obesity and strokes but to a lesser extent.
- The circadian rhythm is a natural 24-hour cycle that affects health.
- A bill for permanent daylight saving time has been introduced in Congress several times since 2018 but has not passed.
- Experts recommend permanent standard time for better alignment with natural light patterns.
