Source: Fox News
Summary
The Trump administration is considering making daylight saving time (DST) permanent, but health experts warn that this could disrupt people’s natural circadian rhythms. Dr. Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist, says that science is being “misconstrued” in this decision and that permanent standard time is more closely aligned with human circadian biology. She notes that permanent DST could lead to health and safety costs, including increased risk of car crashes, heart attacks, and sleep deprivation.
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The advice sounds familiar.
The debate over daylight saving time has been ongoing for decades, with some arguing that it saves energy and promotes outdoor activity, while others claim it disrupts sleep patterns and has negative health effects. The Trump administration’s proposal to make DST permanent has reignited this debate, with experts weighing in on the potential risks and benefits.
Dr. Troxel’s warnings about the potential health risks of permanent DST are not new, but they are timely. As the country considers making a change to its time-keeping practices, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on our collective health and wellbeing.
The fact that human circadian rhythms are primarily “anchored” by morning light, and that permanent DST would force a “chronic misalignment between the body’s internal clock and the external world,” is a crucial consideration in this debate.
As the public weighs in on this issue, it’s essential to remember that the science on DST is complex and multifaceted, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Ultimately, the decision to make DST permanent will depend on a variety of factors, including politics, economics, and public opinion.
Author: Evan Null
