As clocks strike midnight, Americans will soon be bidding farewell to Daylight Saving Time (DST) for another year. The bi-annual shift, which began on March 9, moves the clocks forward one hour to conserve energy during World War I-era conservation efforts.
However, in recent years, public support for DST has dwindled significantly. According to a recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system, while 47% oppose it. As states and territories prepare to return to Standard Time, experts are advising individuals on how to ease the transition.
Dr. Kenneth Lee, a neurologist and medical director at the University of Chicago Medicine's Sleep Center, recommends that people start adjusting their sleep schedules by pushing back bedtime by 15-20 minutes every few nights leading up to Sunday. This will help the body adjust to the new time frame. Additionally, changing one's clock on Saturday evening will also aid in acclimation.
Lee emphasized the importance of synchronizing daily routines, such as meals and coffee, with the delayed bedtime to minimize disruptions. For parents with young children, he suggests a similar incremental approach, adjusting the clock early and gradually pushing bedtime back several nights prior.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also recommends spending time outdoors in the morning on Sunday to harness natural sunlight, which can help regulate the body's internal clock.
While there is growing support for switching to permanent Standard Time, which would eliminate the twice-yearly shift, the debate remains contentious. Proponents argue that this change would align with the human body's natural circadian rhythm and reduce cases of obesity and stroke. However, retailers and some lawmakers remain in favor of preserving DST, citing increased evening sunlight as a benefit.
Despite these divisions, experts like Dr. Lee emphasize the importance of adapting to the changing time frame. As Americans bid farewell to DST for another year, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this contentious practice.
However, in recent years, public support for DST has dwindled significantly. According to a recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 12% of U.S. adults favor the current system, while 47% oppose it. As states and territories prepare to return to Standard Time, experts are advising individuals on how to ease the transition.
Dr. Kenneth Lee, a neurologist and medical director at the University of Chicago Medicine's Sleep Center, recommends that people start adjusting their sleep schedules by pushing back bedtime by 15-20 minutes every few nights leading up to Sunday. This will help the body adjust to the new time frame. Additionally, changing one's clock on Saturday evening will also aid in acclimation.
Lee emphasized the importance of synchronizing daily routines, such as meals and coffee, with the delayed bedtime to minimize disruptions. For parents with young children, he suggests a similar incremental approach, adjusting the clock early and gradually pushing bedtime back several nights prior.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also recommends spending time outdoors in the morning on Sunday to harness natural sunlight, which can help regulate the body's internal clock.
While there is growing support for switching to permanent Standard Time, which would eliminate the twice-yearly shift, the debate remains contentious. Proponents argue that this change would align with the human body's natural circadian rhythm and reduce cases of obesity and stroke. However, retailers and some lawmakers remain in favor of preserving DST, citing increased evening sunlight as a benefit.
Despite these divisions, experts like Dr. Lee emphasize the importance of adapting to the changing time frame. As Americans bid farewell to DST for another year, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this contentious practice.
. The whole DST debate is pretty stressful, and I think we need to take a chill pill. Like, who are we to dictate how our bodies should work? We're all different, remember? Some people thrive in the morning, while others are night owls 
. Why not just let people adjust their clocks at their own pace? Dr. Lee's suggestion of gradually adjusting bedtime is genius 
. And honestly, who needs that much sunlight on Sundays, anyway? Can't we just take a relaxing Sunday Funday instead? 
. I mean, 12% support is pretty weak if you ask me... but at the same time, who needs all that extra hour of daylight in the summer? It's just too much for some people, like my grandma who's always grumpy during 'sun-up' 
. But seriously, syncing our routines and getting some morning sunlight sounds like a solid plan to ease into Standard Time again. Maybe it's time we stick to one schedule for good 
...
And can we please, for the love of all things good, get some support from our lawmakers to make this happen? It's not like it's rocket science... 
It's like, can't we just have one set time for once? And don't even get me started on the whole "increased evening sunlight" thing... that's just an excuse for retailers to stay open later and cash in on our sleep-deprived selves 
. And honestly, who needs the extra hour of "evening sunlight" when you can just take a nap? 
Anyway, I think Dr. Lee's advice on gradually adjusting your sleep schedule is super reasonable. I've been doing that for a while now and it definitely helps. But honestly, who thought it was a good idea to mess with our circadian rhythms in the first place? 
. I mean, think about it, our bodies are naturally programmed to follow this circadian rhythm thing, so why keep messing with it? Plus, there's actually some solid research showing that DST can be bad for our health, especially when it comes to obesity and stroke 
.
. We can't keep making decisions based on outdated assumptions or anecdotal evidence - we need science-backed answers 
. also, have you ever noticed how annoying it is to set all your devices back an hour on sunday? ugh 
. anyway, i do think some of these tips from Dr. Lee are pretty solid advice... pushing back bedtime by 15-20 minutes every few nights leading up to Sunday sounds like a gentle way to ease into the change 
. and spending time outdoors in the morning on Sunday is actually kinda genius 
I know some people love having more daylight hours in the evening, but personally, I think it's just a hassle. My body is all like "what's going on? Why did you move my bedtime?" 
It's so annoying and disrupts my whole routine. I feel like I'm always struggling to adjust to the new time frame, especially when I have early morning appointments or meetings 
. But you know what's even harder? Trying to get my toddler to sleep at a reasonable hour lol... she's still on 3pm bedtime 
.