Sleep researchers are cautioning against British Columbia’s move to adopt permanent daylight time, citing potential negative health impacts, particularly for children. Myriam Juda, a sleep researcher at Simon Fraser University, emphasized the global warnings about the health risks associated with permanent daylight saving time and advocated for permanent standard time instead.
Starting this weekend, B.C. will make the transition to daylight time permanently, eliminating clock changes. The decision has faced criticism from experts like Jamie Zeitzer, a Stanford University professor, who expressed concerns about the adverse health effects of the change.
Daylight saving time shifts the clock forward by an hour, leading to shorter mornings and longer afternoons, disrupting the body’s circadian clock responsible for regulating sleep patterns. Juda highlighted the importance of morning light exposure in setting the body’s internal clock and how the lack of it could impact alertness and fatigue levels, especially in teenagers.
The shift to permanent daylight time, particularly affecting communities like Vancouver and Victoria due to dark winter mornings, could lead to sleep deprivation and increased social jet lag. Zeitzer’s research in the U.S. suggests that maintaining a consistent standard time could be healthier in the long run, reducing the risk of health issues like strokes and obesity.
While the B.C. government cited public support for permanent daylight saving time, critics like Zeitzer questioned the limited choices presented to the public, excluding options like permanent standard time. The government defended its decision based on alignment with neighboring jurisdictions but did not disclose specific scientific sources consulted.
Economic factors, such as longer evenings for outdoor activities and businesses, may have influenced the preference for daylight saving time. Zeitzer noted the lack of clear evidence linking these economic benefits to improved health outcomes, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of the health implications of the time change.
