As clocks fall back an hour this Sunday, many Americans are bracing themselves for the time change, which marks the end of daylight saving time. The practice, first introduced in 1918 to conserve fuel during World War I, has lost significant support from the public over the years.
According to a recent AP-NORC poll, only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system, while 47% oppose it. The divide is evident across states, with Arizona and Hawaii being the exception.
Experts recommend easing the transition by adjusting daily routines. Dr. Kenneth Lee, a neurologist, suggests that people should start pushing back their bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes each night before Sunday to allow for a smoother adaptation. He also advises changing clocks on Saturday evening to acclimate to the new schedule.
For parents with young children, this incremental approach can be particularly helpful, as Dr. Lee notes that kids are often more resilient to time changes than adults. Timing daily activities like meals and coffee with the delayed bedtime can also aid in adjusting to the change.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends spending time outdoors early on Sunday morning to harness the benefits of natural sunlight for better sleep regulation.
While opposition to the bi-annual clock change is widespread, there's less consensus on what system should replace daylight saving time. Some medical organizations and advocates are pushing for a permanent standard time, citing the importance of aligning with the human body's natural circadian rhythm. Research suggests that switching to a permanent standard time could lead to significant health benefits, including a reduction in obesity cases by 2.6 million and stroke cases by 300,000.
However, lawmakers continue to debate the issue, with some pushing for permanent daylight saving time to increase evening sunlight hours. While President Trump's efforts have been unsuccessful so far, similar legislation has been proposed in recent years.
As Americans adjust to the new schedule, one thing is clear: a more unified approach to timekeeping may be on the horizon. But for now, it's up to each individual to adapt and find ways to ease the transition back into standard time.
According to a recent AP-NORC poll, only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system, while 47% oppose it. The divide is evident across states, with Arizona and Hawaii being the exception.
Experts recommend easing the transition by adjusting daily routines. Dr. Kenneth Lee, a neurologist, suggests that people should start pushing back their bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes each night before Sunday to allow for a smoother adaptation. He also advises changing clocks on Saturday evening to acclimate to the new schedule.
For parents with young children, this incremental approach can be particularly helpful, as Dr. Lee notes that kids are often more resilient to time changes than adults. Timing daily activities like meals and coffee with the delayed bedtime can also aid in adjusting to the change.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends spending time outdoors early on Sunday morning to harness the benefits of natural sunlight for better sleep regulation.
While opposition to the bi-annual clock change is widespread, there's less consensus on what system should replace daylight saving time. Some medical organizations and advocates are pushing for a permanent standard time, citing the importance of aligning with the human body's natural circadian rhythm. Research suggests that switching to a permanent standard time could lead to significant health benefits, including a reduction in obesity cases by 2.6 million and stroke cases by 300,000.
However, lawmakers continue to debate the issue, with some pushing for permanent daylight saving time to increase evening sunlight hours. While President Trump's efforts have been unsuccessful so far, similar legislation has been proposed in recent years.
As Americans adjust to the new schedule, one thing is clear: a more unified approach to timekeeping may be on the horizon. But for now, it's up to each individual to adapt and find ways to ease the transition back into standard time.
. and let's be real, if we can get rid of the drama around this, maybe we can focus on more important stuff... like getting enough sleep 
. 20 minutes earlier bedtime every night leading up to sunday? yeah, pls do tell! my inner child is already adjusting 
. i mean, we've been messing with daylight saving time for so long, its like our brains are all confused 
. thats like my morning routine already lol. and i guess having kids makes you more resilient to time changes, so parents can just chill 
. our bodies are all about that circadian rhythm life, so we should just align with it 
. anywayz, its gonna be an interesting adjustment period...
anyway, i think 15-20 min earlier bedtime is a solid plan, less whining kids = better sleep 
what's the world coming to, huh? 
. Like, come on guys - can't we all just agree on something already? 
It's time for us to take control of our own schedules and make our lives easier 
.
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to mess with our sleep schedule like that? It's already hard enough dealing with mornings after a night out or when we're trying to get the little ones ready for school on time. I'm all about that natural light vibe, you know? Spending some quality time outside in the morning sun sounds like just what I need to get my circadian rhythm back on track 
. And can we please just make a permanent standard time already?! It's not like it's going to kill us or anything... just get some consistency and let us sleep in peace 
.
I mean, I get that it was a good idea back in WWI and all, but nowadays I think it's more about the economy than our bodies or anything.
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