As clocks "fall back" into standard time, many people are wondering: is daylight saving time (DST) still worth it? While some argue that it's an energy-saving measure and a boon to the economy, others claim it's nothing more than a relic of a bygone era.
According to sleep experts, there's one thing that matters most when it comes to our internal clocks: aligning them with nature. "Standard time best matches our natural circadian rhythms and the sun's timing," says Dr Natalie Dautovich, senior research fellow at the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
But what exactly is DST, and how does it affect us? In the spring, countries that practice DST shift their clocks forward by one hour, essentially cutting us off from an extra hour of sleep. This disruption can lead to serious health issues, including sleep disturbances, heart attacks, and strokes. In fact, a 2020 study found that the shift to DST led to a 6% spike in traffic accidents.
So why do we still have DST? Some argue that it saves energy, but experts say this claim is outdated. "Modern energy use has evolved such that daylight savings time no longer provides a measurable energy benefit," says Dr Dean Foreman, president of the US Association for Energy Economics (USAEE).
Others point to the economic benefits, claiming that more sunlight after work means people are more likely to shop, dine out, or participate in outdoor activities. However, research suggests that these costs may outweigh any potential gains.
As we head into standard time, it's clear that some people are ready to say goodbye to DST once and for all. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans want to scrap the practice, while a 2025 survey by Travelodge in the UK revealed that 57% of Brits feel the same way.
For those who still support DST, there's one argument: it stimulates the economy. But is this really true? According to experts, the toll DST takes on people's health costs and economies over €750 ($875) per capita each year may be greater than any potential benefits.
In the meantime, we'll have to make do with our extra hour of sleep in November. So how can we adapt to the time change? Sleep experts recommend getting ahead of the curve by gradually shifting your bedtime and wake-up time, exposing yourself to sunlight first thing in the morning, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Ultimately, addressing the issues surrounding DST will require more than just individual hacks – it's a public policy issue that needs to be tackled. As Dr Elizabeth Klerman, professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, puts it: "There are many moving parts... It's not just our biology, it's economics and politics."
So as we bid farewell to the biannual time shift, one thing is certain: it's time to rethink our approach to DST once and for all.
According to sleep experts, there's one thing that matters most when it comes to our internal clocks: aligning them with nature. "Standard time best matches our natural circadian rhythms and the sun's timing," says Dr Natalie Dautovich, senior research fellow at the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University.
But what exactly is DST, and how does it affect us? In the spring, countries that practice DST shift their clocks forward by one hour, essentially cutting us off from an extra hour of sleep. This disruption can lead to serious health issues, including sleep disturbances, heart attacks, and strokes. In fact, a 2020 study found that the shift to DST led to a 6% spike in traffic accidents.
So why do we still have DST? Some argue that it saves energy, but experts say this claim is outdated. "Modern energy use has evolved such that daylight savings time no longer provides a measurable energy benefit," says Dr Dean Foreman, president of the US Association for Energy Economics (USAEE).
Others point to the economic benefits, claiming that more sunlight after work means people are more likely to shop, dine out, or participate in outdoor activities. However, research suggests that these costs may outweigh any potential gains.
As we head into standard time, it's clear that some people are ready to say goodbye to DST once and for all. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 54% of Americans want to scrap the practice, while a 2025 survey by Travelodge in the UK revealed that 57% of Brits feel the same way.
For those who still support DST, there's one argument: it stimulates the economy. But is this really true? According to experts, the toll DST takes on people's health costs and economies over €750 ($875) per capita each year may be greater than any potential benefits.
In the meantime, we'll have to make do with our extra hour of sleep in November. So how can we adapt to the time change? Sleep experts recommend getting ahead of the curve by gradually shifting your bedtime and wake-up time, exposing yourself to sunlight first thing in the morning, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals close to bedtime, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Ultimately, addressing the issues surrounding DST will require more than just individual hacks – it's a public policy issue that needs to be tackled. As Dr Elizabeth Klerman, professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, puts it: "There are many moving parts... It's not just our biology, it's economics and politics."
So as we bid farewell to the biannual time shift, one thing is certain: it's time to rethink our approach to DST once and for all.
. The science is clear: our internal clocks are most attuned to nature, and DST disrupts this harmony. It's no wonder we see a spike in health issues and accidents during these biannual transitions.
. Perhaps it's time for us to acknowledge that our priorities lie elsewhere and focus on more pressing issues.
. It's high time for a more nuanced discussion about how we can create a more sustainable approach to managing our clocks 
.
i swear if we dont get rid of daylight saving time for good ill be a zombie for the next 6 months my circadian rhythms are so messed up just thinking about it makes me want to take an extra nap 
gotta be real about daylight saving time (dst) - its effects on our health and energy usage are kinda sketchy 
54% of americans want to scrap dst too... what do you guys think? 
[link](https://news.gallup.com/poll/315475/daylight-savings-america.aspx)
DST might've been a good idea back in the day but now it just causes more harm than good 
all these extra hours of daylight are great, but if you're gonna take an hour from us, what's the real benefit? 
️, but I do think DST has some weird effects on people's habits... like how some folks still set their clocks back an hour after November 1st 
. like, yeah, some ppl might not be a fan of the time change, but i think it's actually good for us in more ways than just saving energy 
. plus, it's not like we're stuck w/ 1 hour less of sleep every year 
. we just gotta adjust our routines a bit & get some morning sunlight in 
. experts say it doesn't save energy anymore, but i think that's bc ppl got better ways to conserve energy 
. & as for the economy, i think dst stimulates it 
. let's not forget all the tourism & outdoor activities that happen b/c of daylight 
.
.