WASHINGTON, July 14 (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent. The vote was 254-168. The legislation now moves to the Senate. The core question: will locking the clock save Americans time or harm their health?
The House bill, H.R. 1234, argues for energy savings and an economic boost. Supporters cite reduced car accidents in evening light. The bill would end the twice-yearly clock change. But health experts warn of a looming nightmare.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) opposes permanent DST. It introduced the Sunshine for Our Kids Act on June 12, 2026. This bill advocates for permanent standard time. The AASM cites sleep science and pediatric health. The organization’s position is clear: standard time aligns with the sun.
| Factor | Permanent DST | Permanent Standard Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning light in winter | Delayed (sunrise after 8:30 AM in Iowa) | Earlier (sunrise near 7:30 AM) |
| Evening light in winter | Extended (sunset after 6 PM) | Reduced (sunset near 5 PM) |
| Circadian alignment | Poor (forces wake in darkness) | Strong (matches solar time) |
| Pediatric health risk | Higher teen depression, obesity, crashes | Lower (better sleep for students) |
| Adult health risk | Increased heart attacks, strokes, accidents | Reduced (less social jet lag) |
Iowa provides a clear case study. Under permanent DST, winter sunrises would shift past 8:30 AM. KCCI reports that this disrupts morning routines. Workers commute in darkness. Students walk to school before dawn. The state’s agricultural sector, which relies on early light, would suffer.
The health nightmare is data-driven. Circadian rhythm disruption suppresses melatonin. Morning cortisol spikes increase. The AASM notes that chronic sleep deprivation from mismatched social clocks raises heart attack risk by 24%. Stroke risk climbs 16%. Workplace accidents rise 18%.
Pediatric impacts are stark. Later school start times in darkness correlate with higher teen depression rates. Obesity rates climb. Car crashes among 16-19 year olds increase by 13% in the month after the spring transition. The Sunshine for Our Kids Act targets this directly.
The Sunshine for Our Kids Act would establish permanent standard time. It maximizes morning light exposure. Sleep research shows this reduces social jet lag by 40%. It improves sleep quality by 15%. Iowa would benefit directly. Earlier winter sunrises mean safer commutes. Mental health outcomes improve.
Political gridlock persists. The House pushes DST. The Senate, with AASM backing, considers standard time. No compromise is in sight. States may act unilaterally. Iowa could create its own time zone. The result would be a chaotic national patchwork.
Public opinion is split. A 2025 Gallup poll found 63% of Americans want to stop changing clocks. But 49% prefer permanent DST. 46% want permanent standard time. The divide is geographic. Northern states lean toward standard time. Southern states prefer DST.
The clock is ticking. The decision affects every American’s sleep and health. The AASM urges Congress to adopt a science-based solution. It warns against a political shortcut. Contact your representatives. Weigh the evidence. The Great Time War should not cost us our health.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the main concern about making Daylight Saving Time permanent?
- A: Health experts warn that permanent DST would disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and accidents, especially for children and adults.
- Q: Why does the American Academy of Sleep Medicine oppose permanent DST?
- A: The AASM supports permanent standard time because it aligns better with solar time, promoting healthier sleep patterns and reducing health risks like teen depression and obesity.
- Q: How would permanent DST affect morning routines in winter?
- A: Under permanent DST, winter sunrises would shift later, causing workers to commute in darkness and students to walk to school before dawn, disrupting daily activities.
Extended Reading
The AASM’s position on permanent standard time is grounded in peer-reviewed research. The organization’s Sunshine for Our Kids Act reflects consensus from over 30 international sleep societies. HA Viewpoint, a policy research firm, has published a white paper on the economic costs of DST. The paper estimates that chronic circadian misalignment costs the U.S. economy $1.2 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare costs.