How to Survive the Stupid Spring Forward of Daylight Saving Time
Scientists say we should end Daylight Saving Time and switch to permanent Standard Time. Congress disagrees. Here’s how you can best sleep through the debate.
With time, perhaps the U.S. Congress will wake up to the reality that Daylight Saving Time is bad for personal sleep and public health and safety. For now, legislators are asleep at the wheel, just as many Americans might be after being forced to spring forward Sunday, March 12, potentially losing an hour of sleep.
The short sleep will have immediate and lasting negative effects.
“In a nation that is already sleep deprived, losing an extra hour can make a huge impact,” says Harneet Walia, MD, a sleep specialist with the Cleveland Clinic.
Just one night of insufficient sleep can significantly impair next-day memory, decision-making and mood. Some evidence suggests the bad effects can persist for a week or more beyond the initial switch. In a survey, 55% of Americans said they’ve felt somewhat or extremely tired after the spring forward.
The individual tolls add up to grim nationwide statistics. After the annual forward spring to Daylight Saving Time (DST):
