As clocks “spring forward” this Sunday, March 8, for daylight saving time in most of the United States, a growing chorus of voices is calling for an end to the twice-yearly ritual of changing the clocks. While the practice is intended to develop better use of daylight, it disrupts sleep schedules, impacts health, and continues to spark debate about the best way to manage our time. The debate isn’t about *if* we should change the system, but *how* – a question that has stalled progress in Congress despite widespread public frustration.
The annual shift, which results in a 23-hour day on Sunday, isn’t universally loved. According to a 2023 AP-NORC poll, about half of U.S. Adults oppose the current system, with roughly 4 in 10 having no opinion. However, of those who do want a change, most favor making daylight saving time permanent, rather than reverting to standard time year-round. This preference highlights the complexities of finding a solution that satisfies a diverse population.
The push to abolish clock changes has gained momentum at the state level. Since 2018, 19 states – including many in the South and the Northwest – have passed legislation to adopt permanent daylight saving time, but a key obstacle remains: federal law. Currently, states require Congressional approval to permanently observe daylight saving time, a provision that dates back to the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the U.S. Senate passed a bill in 2022 to make daylight saving time permanent, a similar measure has yet to be brought to a vote in the House of Representatives.
Political and Industry Hurdles
The path to ending clock changes isn’t straightforward, facing resistance from various stakeholders. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, a Republican from Alabama, has repeatedly introduced legislation to make daylight saving time permanent, but acknowledges the airline industry’s concerns about scheduling complexities as a factor hindering progress. Another proposal, position forth by Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, suggests a compromise: shifting the clock forward by just 30 minutes. Steube believes this “middle ground” approach could garner bipartisan support, though it would put the U.S. Out of sync with much of the world. Currently, Nepal’s time is 15 minutes ahead of India, and India has also adopted a similar approach to timekeeping.
The debate extends beyond mere convenience, with sleep experts weighing in on the potential health consequences. Karin Johnson, vice president of Save Standard Time and a professor of neurology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, argues that permanent standard time would better align with our natural circadian rhythms. “Morning light is what’s really critical for setting our circadian rhythms each day,” she said. Kenneth Wright, a professor and director of the Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory at the University of Colorado, points to increased risks of vehicle crashes, heart attacks, and strokes in the days following the spring forward, advocating for permanent standard time as the safest option.
State-Level Efforts and Regional Considerations
Despite the federal impasse, states continue to explore options. Currently, Arizona – with the exception of the Navajo Nation – and Hawaii are the only states that do not observe daylight saving time. In recent years, several other states have seen bills introduced to switch to permanent standard time, including Virginia, where a House committee recently recommended postponing further consideration until 2027. Many of these state-level proposals are contingent on neighboring states adopting similar measures, addressing concerns about regional consistency, particularly among broadcasters who fear schedule confusion.
Scott Yates, founder of the website Lock the Clock, advocates for a federal law requiring states to choose either daylight saving time or standard time within two years. He offers a pragmatic suggestion for the immediate future: “If you’re the boss, tell all your employees on Monday that they can reach in an hour later,” he said. “And if you aren’t the boss, tell your boss that you think you should come in an hour later on Monday. Sleep in for safety.”
The debate over daylight saving time is far from settled. As states continue to grapple with the issue and Congress remains divided, the future of our clocks remains uncertain. The coming months will likely see continued discussion and legislative efforts as lawmakers attempt to balance the competing interests of public health, economic concerns, and individual preferences. The next key checkpoint will be whether the House of Representatives takes up the Senate-passed bill, or if alternative proposals gain traction.
What are your thoughts on permanent daylight saving time? Share your opinion in the comments below.
