Daylight Saving Time: The Ongoing Debate Over Permanent Implementation

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The biannual clock change, also known as daylight saving time, is set to begin on March 9, with clocks "springing forward" an hour at 2 a.m. While most states follow this practice, Arizona and Hawaii are the only two that don't observe daylight saving time, relying on a loophole in the 59-year-old federal law that requires states to stay on daylight saving time. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 mandates that the country use daylight saving time, but it allows states to opt out and exempt themselves from the practice of staying on standard time year-round. However, it does not allow states to permanently establish daylight saving time, which would keep them an hour ahead from November to March while other states switch to standard time.

Many states have passed measures to stay on daylight saving time permanently, a move that some have called "lock the clock." For some states, they're willing to go forward with it as long as a few of their neighbors do the same. In the last six years, 20 states have passed legislation or resolutions supporting year-round daylight saving time, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2024, at least 30 states considered or are still considering legislation related to daylight saving time. Some states, like Florida, have already passed resolutions to observe daylight saving time year-round, but these measures are contingent on congressional approval. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 must be repealed or amended to allow states to make daylight saving time permanent.

There have been efforts on the congressional level to make this change. For the past few years, then-Senator Marco Rubio, now the head of the State Department, had introduced a version of what he calls the "Sunshine Protection Act," which would permanently establish daylight saving time for the whole country. The bills, however, always died before they ever came close to becoming law. Back in 2022, the U.S. Senate passed a version of that bill, but it was never voted on by the House of Representatives. In early January, Florida Sen. Rick Scott reintroduced the measure into Congress. President Donald Trump has also expressed interest in ending the biannual practice, pushing for eliminating daylight saving time. The daylight saving time debate is complex, with some arguing that it saves energy and promotes outdoor activities, while others claim that it disrupts sleep patterns and has negative effects on health.

The impact of daylight saving time on mental health is also a concern. The time change can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression. According to experts, springing forward is the most disruptive of the two time changes, and it can worsen conditions like seasonal affective disorder. To mitigate the effects of the time change, people can improve their sleep habits, enjoy sunny days, follow a healthy diet, and keep moving. While some cases of seasonal affective disorder and depression may require therapy and medication, milder cases may be remedied with natural alternatives. As the debate over permanent daylight saving time continues, it's essential to consider the potential effects on mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, the debate over permanent daylight saving time is ongoing, with many states pushing for a change. However, Congress must first repeal the Uniform Time Act of 1966 to make it happen. As the US prepares to "spring forward" on March 9, it's essential to consider the potential effects of the time change on mental health and well-being. With the right strategies and support, people can mitigate the negative effects of the time change and enjoy the benefits of longer days and increased sunlight.