Sleep, Natural Rhythms, and Changing the Clock

As the days grow shorter and the winter solstice passes, the debate over changing the clocks resurfaces, like clockwork. Every year, Americans dutifully make the transition from Daylight Saving Time (DST) to Standard Time and back again. But the ritual, which once promised energy savings and a better use of daylight, has become a relic of a bygone era. Should we retire this outdated practice for good? In recent years the call to adopt Permanent Standard Time (PST) has gained considerable momentum.

Such a shift transcends mere convenience: it represents a meaningful alignment with the natural rhythms of the Earth. Far from being trivial, changing to PST has profound implications for our health, well-being, and even our consciousness. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the nation’s leading authority on sleep and circadian health, has long advocated for eliminating DST in favor of PST. Backed by decades of research, the AASM argues that aligning our clocks with natural planetary rhythms would promote better sleep, reduce inefficiencies, and improve public health.

The Science of Circadian Health

Our bodies are governed by circadian rhythms, internal clocks that regulate sleep, mood, metabolism, and overall health. These rhythms are deeply influenced by exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning. Our circadian systems are finely tuned to the rising and setting of the sun. This synchronization with solar time has evolved over millennia, but the shift to DST disrupts a delicate balance, delaying sunrise by artificially turning the clock forward.

Standard Time, which aligns closely with solar time, supports the natural rhythm our bodies respond to by ensuring that the sun is highest in the sky around noon, but DST misaligns this natural cycle, leaving many of us deprived of the critical morning light that is essential for maintaining circadian health. The consequences of this misalignment are far-reaching. Studies have shown that the spring transition to DST increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents. It also contributes to what researchers call “social jetlag,” a chronic state of circadian disruption that can lead to long-term health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and depression. By adopting Permanent Standard Time, we could minimize these disruptions and restore a natural balance to our lives. A simple shift in how we measure time could have profound benefits for our physical and psychological wellbeing.

The Efficiency Myth

One of the primary arguments for DST has long been its purported energy saving. Proponents argue that by turning the clock forward, we reduce the need for artificial lighting in the evenings, saving energy and cutting costs. However, the evidence supporting this claim is weak at best. A 2008 report from the Department of Energy found that the energy savings from DST were negligible, and more recent studies have shown that any benefits are offset by increased energy use for heating and cooling systems. The actual inefficiencies of DST extend beyond energy consumption. A 2017 study estimated that the spring clock change costs the U.S. economy $434 million annually due to lost productivity. The disruptions caused by changing the clocks twice a year ripple through industries, affecting everything from transportation to healthcare and technology. Permanent Standard Time would eliminate these unnecessary costs.

The Winter Solstice and Morning Light

With the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day of the year, it’s easy to conflate the challenges of dark winter and the effects of timekeeping under discussion. Under Standard Time the sun rises earlier, offering precious morning light that helps regulate circadian rhythms. Morning light is essential for human health; it signals the brain to stop producing melatonin, stabilizes mood, and sets the stage for a productive day. DST, however, delays sunrise, depriving many Americans of this critical morning light during the darker months. This exacerbates the challenges of winter, leaving people groggier, more fatigued, and less equipped to face the day. By adopting Permanent Standard Time, we could maximize exposure to morning light, mitigating the effects of seasonal darkness and supporting better health. The winter months would no longer feel like an endless slog, as people’s natural rhythms would align more closely with the sun’s cycle.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Deepak Chopra, The writer is MD, FACP, FRCP founder of the Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global