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Medical professionals are advocating for the discontinuation of daylight saving time due to potential negative effects it may have.
During daylight saving time, the clock is set an hour ahead starting on the second Sunday in March to take advantage of longer periods of sunlight.
In the winter season, clocks are adjusted to go back by one hour, typically on the first Sunday of November. This allows people to gain an additional hour of rest.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) urged for the discontinuation of daylight saving time, citing potential negative effects on health.
They prefer establishing standard time, which is the permanent setting of clocks back in the fall.
Medical professionals state that a consistent standard time is most in line with the body’s inherent circadian rhythm.
According to Adeel Rishi, chair of the AASM Public Safety Committee, daylight saving time can have negative effects on our physical health, mental well-being, and public safety by disrupting our natural body clock. Therefore, choosing to permanently use standard time is the best option for promoting health and safety.
In a 2020 study, AASM revealed that Daylight Saving Time (DST) is associated with higher chances of motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and mood disruptions. This is due to the annual “spring forward” adjustment that people make to follow this practice.
Previous studies have also shown that setting the clock back by an hour can affect mental well-being.
A study of information gathered from over 185,000 individuals in Denmark revealed a increase of more than 10% in cases of depression during the transition from daylight saving time to standard time.
Previous statements from organizations like the National Sleep Foundation and the American Medical Association also advocate for ending DST.
James A Rowley, president of the AASM, stated that adhering to a consistent standard time can aid in aligning the body’s internal clock to the natural cycle of sunrise and sunset. This synchronization is crucial for promoting restful sleep, which is vital for overall well-being, emotional state, productivity, and safety.
The Sunshine Protection Act was approved by the US Senate in March 2022, with the intention of making daylight saving time permanent in the US.
This legislation must still be approved by the House and President Joe Biden in order to be enacted into law.
Source: independent.co.uk
