Is Daylight Saving Time Silently Hurting Your Health? Here's What Experts Say

Every March, Americans adjust their clocks for daylight saving time (DST), losing an hour of sleep as they move forward. Many people feel tired and out of sync after the shift. But research shows the impact goes beyond just a few days of inconvenience—daylight saving time can have serious effects on health. About a third of Americans dread these biannual clock changes, and an overwhelming 63 per cent want to eliminate them altogether. But is it really just about feeling off for a few days, or is there something more going on?

Losing Sleep, Losing Health

While "falling back" in November—when we gain an extra hour of sleep—is relatively harmless, the same can't be said for "springing forward." Moving the clock ahead by an hour means darker mornings and lighter evenings, which throws off our body’s natural rhythms.

“Morning light is crucial for setting our internal clocks,” says Dr Beth Malow, a sleep expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “When we lose that, we see an increase in sleep deprivation, mood disturbances, and even long-term health risks.”

The problem goes beyond just feeling tired. Studies have linked daylight saving time to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, workplace injuries, and even car accidents in the days following the time change.

Why Is This Shift So Hard on Our Bodies?

Our bodies follow a natural circadian rhythm, which is influenced by light and darkness. Morning sunlight helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle by boosting alertness and setting the stage for a good night’s rest later. But when the sun rises later due to DST, our bodies struggle to adjust.

“Circadian misalignment is a real issue,” explains Dr. Kenneth Wright, a sleep scientist at the University of Colorado. “When our internal clock doesn’t match the external world, it leads to sleep disruptions, metabolic changes, and even an increased risk of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.”

Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable. Since puberty naturally delays melatonin production—the hormone that signals sleep—teens already have a harder time falling asleep early. Adding DST into the mix makes it even tougher for them to wake up for school, leading to sleep deprivation that impacts mood, learning, and overall well-being.

The Case for Permanent Standard Time

Experts say the US should switch to permanent standard time because research shows daylight saving time has negative effects.

“The research is clear—permanent standard time is better for our health,” says Dr Malow. “It aligns more closely with our natural rhythms, improves sleep quality, and reduces health risks.”

While some lawmakers have pushed for making daylight saving time permanent, scientists warn that this would only make the problem worse by keeping evenings artificially bright year-round.

What Can You Do to Minimize the Impact?

Until policy changes, there are steps you can take to ease the transition:

As daylight saving time approaches, be mindful of its potential effects on your health. Until the clock changes stop for good, taking small steps can make a big difference in how well you cope with the switch.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.