Daylight saving time ends soon — new evidence suggests potential health impacts Image By HPN Staff Key Points New research in the European Heart Journal links circadian rhythm disruption from time changes to higher risks of heart disease and cardiovascular events. The Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House, leaving states unable to act independently. At least 10 states have passed laws to adopt permanent DST, but federal approval is still required before any can take effect. As daylight saving time (DST) ends on Nov. 2, researchers are renewing their focus on the toll that shifting clocks takes on the body — particularly the heart. A new study in the European Heart Journal underscores the link between the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, and cardiovascular health. When that rhythm is disrupted — such as during the transition to DST — the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular events can rise. The study named shift work, poor sleep, and weekend schedules also as culprits. That research follows similar findings from Indiana earlier this year, which also linked the springtime clock change to circadian disruption and higher cardiovascular risk. Every spring, when 48 states “spring forward” by an hour, heart attacks become more common — particularly on the Monday after the shift, according to multiple studies. Scientists point to the sudden loss of sleep and circadian misalignment as potential culprits. Why it matters The push to end clock changes has gained bipartisan attention in recent years. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent, passed the Senate in 2022 with broad support, including from former President Donald Trump, but the bill stalled in the House. Several states have moved on their own. California voters approved a 2018 ballot measure authorizing lawmakers to end the time change — with 60% support, or more than 7.1 million votes — but the proposal never advanced in the legislature. At least 10 states have enacted laws to permanently observe DST, but Congress must approve those changes before they can take effect. Under current federal law, states can choose to stay on standard time year-round, but not DST. The big picture The United States first adopted DST during wartime to conserve energy, and the twice-yearly clock changes have stirred debate ever since. In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed a law making DST permanent, but it was repealed nine months later under President Gerald Ford amid public pushback over dark winter mornings. Today, Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories opt out of DST entirely, observing standard time year-round. SUGGESTED STORIES Lawmakers debate Daylight Saving Time once again It’s something many dread – seasonal time change, going from Daylight Saving Time to standard time – and a recent report shows it causes more than fatigue and schedule disruptions. “Spring forward” and “fall back” could be detrimental to health. Researchers studied medical data from Read more New evidence links microplastics to degenerative disease Microplastics — tiny particles that are nearly ubiquitous in the modern world — trigger Alzheimer’s-like symptoms in mice with a genetic marker for the disease, according to a new study. The findings are one more cause for concern in a growi Read more Time limits may not spare teenagers from screen-related mental illness Parents who enforce screen time limits may not be protecting their children from mental illness as much as they think, according to new research on adolescents and their use of cell phones, video games and social media. The main takeaway: Pa Read more
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