Every fall, much of the world rolls back its clocks as part of the bi-annual daylight saving time (DST) ritual. In early spring, time gets moved forward to extend daylight hours, which makes for long summer days. But in the fall, the clock is moved back and everyone loses and hour. And some experts out of the U.K. say that this lost daylight hour is taking a huge toll on public health.
Daylight saving time sparks a familiar debate each fall: How does changing our clocks affect daily life and health? Earlier evening darkness can leave people with less daylight after work or school.
Adapted by Jennifer Rae Vliet, News Editor of The Plain Truth, from the Natural News article linked below, with additional context from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Daylight Saving Time and Evening Activity
The original article highlights arguments from U.K. researcher Mayer Hillman. He argues that keeping more daylight in the evening could encourage people to spend time outdoors.
For someone who finishes work late in the afternoon, an earlier sunset can limit opportunities for a daylight walk. Families may also find fewer chances for outdoor play after school.
Hillman’s argument focuses on these usable evening hours. He and other advocates suggest that ending the autumn rollback could make outdoor activity easier to fit into daily routines.
However, moving the clocks does not create or remove sunlight. The seasons determine the length of the day. Clock changes simply shift when sunrise and sunset occur on our schedules.
What Falling Back Actually Changes
When daylight saving time ends, clocks move back one hour. That gives people an extra hour on the day of the change—not an hour less.
Sunrise and sunset then occur an hour earlier by the clock. Mornings become lighter at the same scheduled time, while evenings become darker sooner.
Keeping daylight saving time throughout winter would reverse that trade-off. It would preserve later sunsets but also delay sunrise.
Sleep Specialists Favor Standard Time
The health debate extends beyond evening exercise. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports ending seasonal clock changes, but it favors permanent standard time.
The organization says standard time better matches the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythms. Its position emphasizes the importance of morning light and the effects of light exposure on sleep.
These arguments highlight different priorities. Hillman emphasizes opportunities for evening activity, while sleep specialists emphasize alignment with the body’s internal clock.
Ending twice-yearly clock changes and choosing which time to keep are therefore two separate questions.
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE AT NATURAL NEWS >>>>
READ THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE’S POSITION >>>>