ORLANDO, Fla. – Twice each year, we change our clocks for daylight saving time and every year it brings up the debate over whether the current system is working or if we should switch to a permanent set time.
Wednesday, Sen. Rick Scott introduced the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which would “lock the clock” and make daylight saving time permanent, year-round.
“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year — it’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them,” said Sen. Scott.
The bill has been proposed multiple times in Congress before. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent in March 2022, but has faced challenges and has yet to become law.
[ Florida once tried year-round daylight saving time. Here’s what happened ]
If passed, states observing daylight saving time would remain on this time year-round, rather than switching back to standard time in the fall.
What would that look like in Florida?
- Longer evening daylight: People would experience more daylight in the evening hours year-round. This could be beneficial for outdoor activities after work or school.
- Darker mornings: In the winter months, mornings would be darker for a longer period. This means that sunrise would occur later in the morning, which could affect morning routines, especially for those who start their day early.
- Consistency: There would be no need to change clocks twice a year, which could reduce confusion and the minor disruptions that come with adjusting to a new time.
- Potential energy savings: The idea behind daylight saving time is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of the year, potentially reducing energy consumption. However, the actual impact on energy savings is debated.
- Impact on health and safety: Some studies suggest that the transition into and out of daylight saving time can have negative effects on health, such as sleep disruption. Permanent daylight saving time could eliminate these transitions, but the darker mornings could have other implications for health and safety, such as increased risks for morning commuters.
Overall, permanent daylight saving time would provide more daylight in the evenings throughout the year, but it would also mean darker mornings, especially in the winter months.
Proponents of permanent daylight-saving time argue having more daylight in the evening hours throughout the year encourages outdoor activities after work or school, promoting a more active lifestyle. Longer daylight in the evenings can also boost economic activity as people are more likely to shop, dine out, and engage in recreational activities. Businesses, especially those in retail and hospitality, may see increased revenue.
It is important to consider the trade-offs that come with darker mornings.
Many health professionals and sleep researchers advocate for permanent standard time because it aligns more closely with our natural circadian rhythms.
Permanent standard time aligns more closely with the natural light-dark cycle, which can improve sleep quality and overall health. Disruptions caused by the biannual clock changes can lead to sleep disturbances and have been linked to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues.
With standard time, mornings would have more natural light, which can improve safety for morning commuters, including children traveling to school. This could potentially reduce accidents that occur during darker morning hours.
There is widespread agreement that the practice of changing clocks twice a year should end, but there is no consensus on whether to adopt permanent daylight-saving time or standard time. Some people prefer the extra evening daylight provided by DST, while others prioritize the health benefits of standard time.
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