"Researchers at Stanford University found that keeping our clocks on standard time year round, instead of just in the autumn and winter (as in most US states as well as the UK), would reduce the prevalence of obesity and strokes. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, stands apart from much other research thanks to its breadth."
"Dr Jamie Zeitzer, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Lara Weed, a PhD candidate in bioengineering, modeled sunlight exposure across every county in the 48 contiguous states, and compared that information with federal health data. The goal, Zeitzer says, was to use an existing mathematical model to discover the circadian burden of the three daylight scenarios in other words, how much stress are we putting on the circadian system?"
"Daylight savings time is not just a hassle it can also be bad for your health. The twice-yearly spring forward, fall back routine rattles our bodies' daily cycles, known as circadian rhythms, with potentially harmful consequences. And a new study supports what many sleep experts have long argued: the solution is getting rid of daylight savings for good. That will not be easy."
Keeping clocks on standard time year-round, rather than switching biannually or adopting permanent daylight saving, produces a more natural alignment between social schedules and sunlight, reducing circadian disruption. Modeling of sunlight exposure across every county in the 48 contiguous states combined with federal health data indicates that permanent standard time imposes the least circadian burden. Lower circadian burden is associated with reduced prevalence of disorders such as obesity and stroke. Permanent daylight saving or the current spring-forward/fall-back switching pattern increases circadian stress and therefore greater health risks. Political proposals for permanent daylight saving may face public and health-focused opposition.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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