Daylight Saving Time Fall Back: Hidden Health Risks Revealed

Key Points:

• DST ends on November 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 a.m. We’ll turn clocks back 1 hour.
• Arizona and Hawaii, among others, don’t do DST because their daylight doesn’t change much.
• Some people think DST is outdated and might be bad for health.
• Doctors think keeping the same time all year might be healthier.
• Pennsylvania is thinking about stopping DST but will keep doing it for now.
• People are still arguing about whether to keep DST or not.

As fall arrives and days get shorter, daylight saving time (DST) is back in the news. Twice a year, most Americans change their clocks by an hour. But not everyone does this, and some states are thinking about stopping.

What’s Happening with Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight saving time is set to end on November 3rd, 2024, at 2:00 a.m., when clocks will be turned back one hour.

This change means that sunsets will come earlier and mornings will be darker as we move deeper into fall and winter. Yet, in some states, this shift won’t occur.

States and Territories That Opt Out

Arizona and Hawaii are well-known for not participating in DST. Neither do places like Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why?

It’s mostly because of where they are on the map.

Arizona and Hawaii are closer to the equator, so their days stay about the same length all year. They don’t need to change their clocks to make the most of daylight.

Why Some People Don’t Like DST

The debate over daylight saving time isn’t new. Critics argue that the tradition is outdated, suggesting that it no longer serves its original purpose of conserving energy.

Some studies even point to potential health risks associated with the DST, such as disruptions to sleep patterns and an increased risk of heart attacks.

What Doctors Think?

The American Medical Association thinks we should keep the same time all year round.

They say it’s better for our health and our body clocks. Pennsylvania is thinking about joining the states that opting out of DST.

They’re looking at how it might help people sleep better and use less energy. But for now, Pennsylvania will still change its clocks in November, just like Ohio and many other states.

What Happens When DST Ends?

The end of daylight saving time will mean an extra hour of sleep when the clocks fall back. This adjustment is a brief respite before the days continue to shorten until December 21st, which marks the shortest day of the year.

As we keep talking about daylight saving time, it’s clear that we might need to rethink how we do things. Whether it’s for our health or to make life simpler, more people are starting to like the idea of keeping the same time all year round.”