Hi snap802! This AASM survey showed the majority of respondents (63%) said they want to eliminate seasonal time changes in favor of a national, fixed, year-round time. So, If you are tired of the switch, you are not alone!
https://aasm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sleep-prioritization-survey-2020-elimination-seasonal-time-changes-results.pdf

Dear FRiver: These are interesting topics in human sleep! Regarding napping, while they may occur in a variety of different circumstances, naps may enhance recovery (for example, in athletes) and in some circumstances can counteract the negative effects of partial sleep deprivation. On the other hand, excessive sleepiness during the day resulting in unintentional napping may indicate a sleep disorder. Here are tips and a calculator you may find useful: https://sleepisgoodmedicine.com/get-healthy-sleep/

TylerJWhit: Congratulations!! Here is an article summarizing a simple addition to the bedtime routine which was studied for babies at least 7-18 months of age (not for the DST switch per se, but in general). Happy reading! https://sleepeducation.org/help-infant-toddler-sleep-simple-bedtime-routine/

Back in '66, there was an opt-out opportunity built in to the law. Hawaii is also on pST, for example. Aloha!

Regarding health effects of not getting enough sunlight in the morning: Properly timed morning light exposure helps maintain alignment of our body’s circadian rhythm. DST also means it stays light later in the evening, which can signal towards a later bedtime (via biology - such as melatonin release - as well as increased evening social activity, etc). This leads to reduced sleep overall. In fact, DST might reduce sleep time for the duration of DST, not just the first week. CDC has linked sleep deprivation to increased risks of high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, and obesity, to name a few. Simply said: #sleepisgoodmedicine

BrilliantPace7459 - thank you for this observation. Many people report that they are not as refreshed after the switch to DST. This can have a safety impact: “spring forward” is associated with an increase in auto accidents for the week following the switch to DST, including a 6% increase in fatal crashes. Crashes are increased even more on the westward side of each time zone. Stay safe out there!

That’s a good point! Hours of daylight and darkness are determined by season and location…not the clock on the wall. Interestingly, The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time before, and it didn’t work out. In December 1973, Congress enacted a two-year trial of year-round daylight saving time in an attempt to reduce energy consumption. It lasted less than one year. Among the reasons for failure was concern about children going to school in the dark during the winter. For much of the country, sunrise would occur at 830am or later in winter under permanent DST.

Hi deeshack, Great question!! Here is a page detailing the AASM Position Statement on Daylight Saving Time, and why permanent Standard Time is healthier. At the end of that page there is also a link to reach your local legislator!
https://sleepeducation.org/resources/daylight-saving-time/

Hey mixreality, if you are experiencing poor quality sleep or unrefreshing sleep on a regular basis, it would be a good idea to talk with your doctor about next steps. Here is a link with resources: https://sleepisgoodmedicine.com/talk-to-your-doctor/

Hi geno_blast, the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposed to establish permanent daylight saving time in the US, was reintroduced to the Senate by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. The bill was passed by the Senate last year before inaction by the House caused it to expire at the end of 2022. The AASM, like many professional medical societies, supports permanent standard time, because evidence has shown it is the better option for health and safety.