The Hidden Tax of Daylight Saving Time
Why Our Bodies Are Paying the Price
With every article and podcast episode, we provide comprehensive study materials: References, Executive Summary, Briefing Document, Quiz, Essay Questions, Glossary, Timeline, Cast, FAQ, Table of Contents, Index, Polls, 3k Image, and Fact Check.
We treat the biannual ritual of changing our clocks like a minor inconvenience—a blip in our calendar that requires a day or two of adjustment before we're back to normal. But what if I told you this seemingly innocuous practice was quietly undermining your health in ways that science is only beginning to fully understand?
Our latest episode of Heliox explores a mounting body of evidence suggesting that daylight saving time (DST) isn't just annoying—it's dangerous. And the scientists leading this research are right in our backyard at UBC and SFU.
The Scientific Case Against Messing With Time
Let's cut to the chase: our bodies evolved over millennia to align with the natural rhythm of the sun. When we artificially shift that alignment, we're not just changing what time our watches display—we're forcing our biology to adapt to something fundamentally unnatural.
The research is becoming impossible to ignore. Shifting between standard time and DST has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. This isn't speculative; it's documented across numerous peer-reviewed studies.
What's happening is a disruption of our circadian rhythms—the internal clocks that regulate everything from hormone production to body temperature. These rhythms aren't arbitrary; they're deeply tied to the rising and setting of the sun. Standard time aligns more closely with solar time, while DST pushes us away from it.
The most telling evidence? The spike in health incidents that occurs immediately following time changes. ICBC reports a significant increase in pedestrian-related crashes after the spring time change. Hospitals see more heart attacks. Workplace accidents increase. These aren't coincidences—they're data points in an emerging pattern that should trouble us all.
We've Been Here Before, and It Failed Spectacularly
If you're thinking, "This sounds like alarmism—surely permanent DST would solve the problem," history has a cautionary tale for you.
In the 1970s, during the energy crisis, the United States tried exactly that. The experiment was a disaster so complete that Congress repealed the law after just 10 months. The dark winter mornings led to safety concerns, particularly for schoolchildren. There were increased accidents. And to add insult to injury, the promised energy savings never materialized.
This historical footnote should give us pause. When we talk about making DST permanent, we're not venturing into uncharted
territory—we're ignoring a failed experiment.
The Geography of Sleep Deprivation
Here's something you probably haven't considered: where you live within a time zone affects how DST impacts you.
People on the western edge of a time zone—where the sun naturally rises and sets later—tend to get less sleep overall and experience higher rates of the health problems associated with circadian disruption. They're essentially fighting a constant uphill battle against their natural sleep patterns.
This geographical factor adds another layer of complexity to the debate. It's not just about whether we have DST or not—it's about recognizing that our one-size-fits-all approach to time zones might be fundamentally flawed.
Teenagers: The Canaries in the Coal Mine
If there's one demographic that suffers most from our collective time manipulation, it's teenagers.
Adolescents' internal clocks are naturally set later than adults'. They're biologically wired to fall asleep and wake up later. DST exacerbates this natural delay, pushing them into what amounts to perpetual jet lag.
This has real consequences: poorer academic performance, increased risk of depression and anxiety, and even higher rates of substance abuse. When we force teenagers to adapt to schedules that fight against their biology, we're setting them up to fail.
The growing movement to adjust school start times recognizes this reality. But it's a Band-Aid solution to a problem we're actively making worse with DST.
BC's Waiting Game: Policy in Limbo
In 2019, BC passed legislation to eliminate the time change—but with a crucial caveat: it would only happen if the US West Coast followed suit. This conditional action has effectively left us in limbo.
What's particularly troubling is how the government gauged public opinion. The survey that informed this decision gave people two options: keep switching or make DST permanent. Permanent standard time—which the scientific evidence increasingly supports—wasn't even presented as an option.
This binary framing failed to capture the nuance of the issue and led to a policy decision that doesn't align with the best available evidence. Now we're waiting for our southern neighbors to act, even as the science continues to mount against making DST permanent.
Beyond Convenience: A Matter of Public Health
The debate around DST has traditionally focused on convenience, preference, and economic factors. Do we want more evening light for recreation? Does it save energy? Does it boost retail spending?
These questions miss the forest for the trees. What we're dealing with is fundamentally a public health issue.
If a medication or food additive showed the same pattern of increased health risks that we see with the time change, we'd be having a very different conversation. We'd be talking about regulation, warning labels, and potential bans.
Yet because changing our clocks is so thoroughly normalized, we accept these risks as the cost of doing business. We shouldn't.
A Radical Proposal: Embracing the Darkness
What if, instead of fighting against the natural rhythms of the seasons, we embraced them?
Our modern society has conditioned us to view darkness as something to be conquered—a limitation to overcome with artificial light and shifted clocks. But what if winter's longer nights aren't a problem to be solved but an opportunity to be seized?
Throughout human history, winter has been a time of rest, reflection, and restoration. The frenetic pace of modern life has erased this rhythm, replacing it with a relentless expectation of productivity regardless of season.
By aligning our clocks with standard time year-round, we wouldn't just be making a healthier choice—we'd be taking a small step toward reconnecting with natural cycles that have shaped human experience for millennia.
The Path Forward
The evidence is clear: if we care about public health, we should stop changing our clocks and adopt permanent standard time.
This isn't about preference or convenience—it's about making policy decisions based on scientific evidence rather than tradition or inertia. It's about recognizing that our bodies aren't infinitely adaptable machines but complex biological systems deeply attuned to environmental cues.
BC has already shown leadership by passing legislation to end the time change. Now it needs to go a step further by:
Amending that legislation to specify permanent standard time rather than DST
Removing the condition that requires US coordination
Leading with evidence rather than following others' potentially misguided policies
The time change isn't just an inconvenience—it's a hidden tax on our collective health that we can no longer afford to pay. The science is clear. The historical precedent is clear. Now we just need the political courage to act on what we know.
Our bodies will thank us for it.
Link References
End daylight saving time? 'Rip the bandaid off; researcher urges
93% of British Columbians want to scrap changing clocks for daylight time, survey says
Daylight Saving Time and Your Health. Plus, Steps to Saving Zzz's
Places around the world that opt out of daylight savings - and why
What Happened the Last Time the U.S. Tried to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent?
Why daylight saving time is unhealthy – a neurologist explains
History of daylight savings time
Permanent Daylight Saving Time will hurt our health, experts say
Here's why B.C. experts believe standard time should be permanent
Podcast:
Episode:
Navigating the Daylight Savings Time Debate (S1 E51 )
3D Force Model
Youtube
Heliox: Where Evidence Meets Empathy on Youtube
STUDY MATERIALS
1. Briefing Document
Briefing Doc: Daylight Saving Time - A Public Health Concern?
This briefing doc reviews the potential health consequences of Daylight Saving Time (DST), focusing on the debate surrounding the transition to permanent DST.
Main Themes:
Circadian Rhythm Disruption: The core argument against DST lies in its disruption of the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. Shifting the clock forward exposes the body to less morning light and more evening light, creating a misalignment with the sun's natural cycle.
"With DST, between March and November, your body is exposed to less morning light and more evening light, which can throw off your circadian rhythm," states Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep expert at Northwestern Medicine.
Negative Health Consequences: This disruption can lead to a range of short and long-term health issues mimicking prolonged jet lag. Studies link DST to:
Sleep problems and fatigue
Cardiovascular issues, including a higher risk of heart attacks and stroke
Mental health issues, particularly depression
Metabolic issues like weight gain
Increased risk of accidents and injuries
Digestive and immune-related problems
Social Jet Lag: The discrepancy between our biological clock and social/work schedules is termed "social jet lag." DST exacerbates this phenomenon, as our internal clocks struggle to adjust to the artificially shifted time.
"When our internal clocks are offset from the solar day-night cycle by even one hour we develop what sleep experts call ‘social jet lag.’"
Permanent DST vs. Standard Time: The scientific consensus leans heavily towards the benefits of abolishing DST and adopting permanent standard time. Standard time aligns more closely with the sun's natural cycle, promoting better sleep health and overall well-being.
"If we adopt permanent standard time, our internal clocks will more likely be in sync with the rotation of the Earth, seasonal changes and the sun clock," proclaims Dr. Zee.
Public Opinion:
A survey conducted in British Columbia revealed overwhelming public support for ending the clock change, with over 223,000 residents participating.
Despite this, some government officials are hesitant to act without neighbouring jurisdictions, particularly the USA, making similar changes.
Expert Opinion:
Sleep and circadian rhythm researchers globally agree that permanent DST is detrimental to health.
Concerns exist about the impact of DST on already vulnerable populations, including adolescents, shift workers, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Experts urge a comprehensive review of the evidence before making any permanent changes to timekeeping practices.
Key Considerations:
Latitude plays a crucial role in the impact of DST. Northern regions experience more pronounced effects due to the significant variation in daylight hours throughout the year.
Potential economic benefits of DST must be weighed against the potential negative impact on public health.
Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of permanent DST.
Conclusion:
The evidence suggests that DST poses a significant risk to public health. While the idea of "brighter evenings" may seem appealing, the scientific consensus favours permanent standard time for its alignment with our natural biological rhythms. Before implementing any permanent change, a thorough evaluation of all potential consequences, particularly for health and well-being, is essential.
2. Quiz & Answer Key
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
What is the primary rationale behind the initial implementation of Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
Explain the concept of "social jet lag" and its connection to DST.
How does the transition to DST affect cardiovascular health in the short term?
Describe two specific recommendations provided by sleep experts to mitigate the negative effects of DST.
Why is the argument that DST reduces crime rates considered weak by some experts?
How does the geographical location of a region, particularly its latitude, influence the impact of DST?
Why might Saskatchewan's year-round adherence to Central Standard Time be problematic from a circadian rhythm perspective?
What is the main concern raised by researchers regarding the potential implementation of permanent DST in Canada?
Explain the role of the "sun clock" in regulating the human body's circadian rhythm.
What was the public response to the US trial of permanent DST in 1974?
Answer Key:
DST was primarily introduced to conserve energy, particularly during wartime, by maximizing daylight hours for work and activities.
Social jet lag refers to the misalignment between our internal biological clock and the social clock dictated by work or school schedules. DST exacerbates this misalignment by shifting daylight hours, leading to later sleep times and reduced sleep duration.
Studies have shown a correlation between the transition to DST and a short-term increase in heart attacks, with a 24% higher risk observed in the week following the time change.
Sleep experts recommend maintaining a consistent sleep routine and maximizing exposure to natural morning light to help regulate the body's circadian rhythm during DST.
While some studies indicate a slight decrease in crime rates with more daylight in the evening, the impact is minimal. Health concerns associated with DST are considered more significant than the potential crime reduction benefits.
Latitude affects the duration of daylight hours. Regions further from the equator experience greater variations in daylight throughout the year, making them more susceptible to the disruptive effects of DST on circadian rhythms.
Saskatchewan's location within the Central Time Zone is already westward, meaning they experience later sunrises than the true centre of the zone. Year-round DST would further delay sunrise, potentially leading to significant social jet lag and sleep deprivation.
Researchers are concerned that permanent DST in Canada, particularly in northern regions, would result in very late sunrises during winter, leading to chronic sleep deprivation, negative health consequences, and potential safety risks.
The sun clock, the natural cycle of day and night, is the primary environmental cue that sets our internal circadian rhythm, dictating sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes.
The US trial of permanent DST in 1974 was met with significant public disapproval due to the late sunrises during winter, leading to widespread complaints and its subsequent reversal.
3. Essay Questions
Critically evaluate the arguments for and against the implementation of permanent Daylight Saving Time, considering both the purported benefits and the potential drawbacks.
Discuss the scientific evidence supporting the negative health impacts of Daylight Saving Time, focusing on the disruption of circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
Analyze the social and economic implications of switching to permanent Standard Time, exploring potential effects on industries, energy consumption, and public safety.
Examine the concept of "social jet lag" in detail, explaining its causes, consequences, and potential strategies for mitigating its effects in modern society.
Compare and contrast the historical rationale for Daylight Saving Time with the current debate surrounding its potential abolishment, considering changes in societal needs and scientific understanding.
4. Glossary of Key Terms
Daylight Saving Time (DST): The practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the summer months to maximize daylight hours.
Standard Time (ST): The local time observed when DST is not in effect, typically closer to the natural solar time.
Circadian Rhythm: The body's natural 24-hour cycle, regulating sleep-wake patterns, hormone release, and other physiological processes.
Social Jet Lag: The misalignment between the body's internal clock and the social clock imposed by work or school schedules, leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
Sleep Homeostasis: The body's natural drive to sleep, accumulating with wakefulness and dissipating with sleep.
Sun Clock: The natural cycle of day and night, acting as the primary environmental cue for setting the circadian rhythm.
Latitude: The angular distance of a location north or south of the Earth's equator, influencing the duration of daylight hours.
Melatonin: A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles, its production is suppressed by light exposure.
Cortisol: A stress hormone that follows a circadian rhythm, with levels peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day.
Uniform Time Act (1966): US legislation that established nationwide dates for DST observance, aiming to address scheduling inconsistencies.
5. Timeline of Main Events
1784: Benjamin Franklin jokingly suggests the idea of daylight saving time in a letter.
1895: New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson seriously proposes daylight saving time.
1916: Germany adopts DST during World War I to conserve energy.
1918: Canada adopts DST during World War I.
Post World War II: Individual state governments in the US are responsible for setting DST start and end dates.
1966: The US passes the Uniform Time Act, creating a nationwide DST schedule from the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.
1974: The US experiments with permanent DST during the winter but reverts back to the regular schedule due to public disapproval.
2017: Sleep and Biological Rhythm experts start to publicly advocate for the abolishment of DST.
2019: British Columbia conducts a public survey on DST, receiving over 223,000 responses, with the majority favoring permanent DST.
2020: Yukon changes to its own standard time year-round.
2021: Alberta holds a referendum on whether to make DST permanent but the measure is rejected.
Present: Provinces like British Columbia and Ontario have passed legislation to make DST permanent but are waiting for neighbouring jurisdictions, including the US, to make similar changes before enacting the legislation.
Cast of Characters
Benjamin Franklin: An American polymath who, in 1784, jokingly suggested the idea of daylight saving time to save on candle usage.
George Vernon Hudson: A New Zealand entomologist who in 1895, seriously proposed the concept of daylight saving time to have more daylight hours for his bug-hunting hobby.
William Willett: A British builder who championed the idea of daylight saving time in the early 20th century to encourage people to wake up earlier and enjoy more sunlight.
Matthew Walker: A sleep expert who, in an interview with Insider, emphasizes the negative health consequences of even a single hour of lost sleep due to DST transitions.
John Horgan: Premier of British Columbia during the province's 2019 public survey on DST. He publicly committed to following the will of the people, who predominantly favored making DST permanent.
Bob D'Eith: A British Columbia NDP MLA who supports the province's move to permanent DST, citing it as the option that "makes the most sense" and aligns with the expectations of British Columbians.
Dr. Phyllis Zee: A sleep medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine who advocates for permanent standard time. She emphasizes the negative health impacts of DST transitions on circadian rhythms and overall well-being.
Roger Godbout: A clinical psychologist at the Sleep Laboratory at Riviere-des-Prairies Mental Health Hospital in Montreal. He points out the loss of sleep and stimulant effect of light exposure that make it difficult to fall asleep at night during DST.
Joseph De Koninck: A researcher at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the Canadian Sleep Society's report on DST. He emphasizes the negative health consequences of DST, especially the impact on sleep loss and social jet lag.
Ashley Nixon: A researcher at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the Canadian Sleep Society's report on DST. Her research focuses on the impact of DST transitions on mental health, particularly among children and adolescents.
Dr. Debra Juda: A neurology professor at UBC who opposes permanent daylight saving time, citing the negative health consequences supported by scientific consensus in the field of circadian rhythms and sleep.
6. FAQ
What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
DST is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the summer months (March to November in most of North America) to take advantage of longer daylight hours. This means that sunrise and sunset occur later in the day, providing more daylight in the evening.
Why is there a debate about ending DST?
The debate stems from concerns about the negative health effects associated with the time changes. Shifting the clock disrupts our natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), which can lead to various health issues.
What are the potential health impacts of DST?
Studies have shown that DST transitions can cause sleep deprivation, fatigue, mood changes, and impaired cognitive function. There is also evidence linking DST to increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and other health problems.
What is "social jetlag"?
Social jetlag refers to the mismatch between our internal biological clock and the socially imposed sleep schedule. DST exacerbates social jetlag by forcing us to wake up and go to bed earlier than our bodies naturally prefer.
What is the argument for keeping DST permanently?
Proponents of permanent DST argue that it would reduce traffic accidents and crime rates due to increased evening daylight. They also claim that it would benefit businesses and the economy.
What is the argument for abolishing DST and staying on standard time?
Advocates for standard time argue that it is more aligned with our natural circadian rhythms and is therefore better for our health. They believe that the purported benefits of DST are outweighed by the negative health consequences.
What have other countries done regarding DST?
Some countries, like Saskatchewan in Canada and Arizona in the US, do not observe DST and remain on standard time year-round. Others have experimented with permanent DST but reverted back to standard time due to public opposition.
What is the current status of DST in Canada?
Some provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, have passed legislation to adopt permanent DST but are waiting for neighbouring jurisdictions, particularly in the US, to make similar changes.
7. Table of Contents with Timestamps
00:00-00:33 - Introduction to the Daylight Saving Time Debate Overview of the podcast topic and introduction to research from UBC and SFU experts on daylight saving time.
00:33-01:31 - The Case Against Daylight Saving Time Discussion of expert opinions suggesting standard time is healthier, highlighting potential health risks including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
01:31-02:34 - BC's Legislative Attempt Examination of BC's 2019 legislation to eliminate time changes, the dependency on US West Coast decisions, and limitations of the public opinion survey.
02:34-04:03 - Circadian Rhythms and Natural Time Explanation of how our internal body clocks work, why standard time aligns better with natural solar time, and how DST disrupts our biology.
04:03-05:00 - Impact on Teenagers Discussion of why teenagers are particularly affected by DST due to their naturally later sleep patterns and the implications for their wellbeing.
05:00-05:54 - Geographic Time Zone Effects Analysis of how living on the western edge of a time zone affects sleep patterns and health outcomes.
05:54-07:15 - The Failed 1970s DST Experiment Historical review of the US attempt at permanent DST during the energy crisis, the public backlash, and safety concerns that led to its repeal.
07:15-08:35 - Safety Concerns and Practical Impacts Discussion of ICBC data on accident increases after time changes and practical advice for adapting to time changes.
08:35-09:41 - Complexity of the Issue Exploration of the multifaceted nature of the debate, including economic, energy, and coordination factors.
09:41-11:24 - Additional Arguments For and Against DST Overview of various arguments including economic benefits, traffic safety, and crime rates associated with daylight saving time.
11:24-13:33 - Final Thoughts: Embracing Darkness Philosophical discussion about reframing our relationship with darkness, embracing winter evenings, and aligning with natural rhythms.
8. Index with Timestamps
accidents, 06:36, 06:51, 10:57
adjustment, 08:28, 10:34
adolescent development, 04:52
aligning, 03:16, 04:38, 11:30
BC government, 01:38, 02:08, 09:55
biology, 03:30, 05:50
body clocks, 02:44, 03:21, 08:14
body temperature, 02:57
cautionary tale, 07:05
circadian rhythms, 02:44, 03:41, 04:01, 11:29, 12:23
cozy winter evenings, 12:54
crime rates, 10:57
dark mornings, 06:32
daylight saving time, 00:33, 01:01, 03:13, 05:59, 09:40, 10:40, 11:36
diabetes, 01:01, 01:04
economic factors, 11:51
economy, boost, 10:46, 10:49
energy consumption, 09:16, 10:43
energy crisis, 06:16, 06:17
experts, 00:33, 01:14, 01:16, 02:38, 04:04, 08:28
health benefits, 01:16, 01:21
health impacts, 00:47, 00:51, 05:28, 05:40
heart disease, 01:01, 03:49
ICBC, 07:21, 07:26, 07:42
internal clocks, 02:44, 04:12, 08:14, 10:05
jet lag, 03:34, 04:28
mental health, 01:01, 01:05, 03:49
mindfulness, 13:07
mood disorders, 03:46
natural rhythms, 02:42, 04:57
natural sleep patterns, 05:35
permanent DST, 01:47, 05:59, 09:56
permanent standard time, 02:16, 09:45
pets, 08:08, 08:14, 10:34
public concerns, 07:07
public opinion, 02:08, 02:27, 06:58
recreation, 09:07, 10:53
safety concerns, 06:36, 07:05
school start times, 04:38
seasonal changes, 12:36
shopping, 10:53
sleep deprivation, 05:27
sleep patterns, 04:15, 05:35
sleep-wake cycle, 02:55
slowing down, 13:07
standard time, 00:18, 00:42, 02:16, 03:16, 03:21, 09:45
teenagers, 04:08, 04:12, 04:25, 04:29
time zones, 05:05, 05:10, 05:18, 05:22, 05:40, 09:18, 10:18
traffic accidents, 10:57
UBC, 00:33, 02:38
winter darkness, 12:36, 13:25
winter evenings, 12:54
winter nights, 13:11
9. Poll
10. Post-Episode Fact Check
11. Image (3000 x 3000 pixels)
