With the annual “fall back” to standard time arriving Sunday at 2 a.m., families across the United States are preparing for an extra hour of sleep. President Donald Trump has taken the opportunity to press lawmakers to adopt the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent and eliminate the twice‑yearly clock changes.
Why the change matters for health and daily life
Health organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have long recommended standard time year‑round because it better matches the natural sunrise pattern, especially in winter. Their research shows that brighter mornings and darker evenings help keep the body’s circadian rhythm – the internal 24‑hour clock that regulates sleep, hormone release, heart rate, and metabolism – on track.
When clocks shift, even by an hour, many people experience disrupted sleep schedules. The brain’s master clock, set by exposure to sunlight, can be thrown off, leading to later melatonin surges in the evening and difficulty falling asleep. The result is often a short‑term increase in car accidents and, in some studies, a slight rise in heart‑attack incidents during the first few days after the spring change.
Public sentiment and the push for reform
An AP‑NORC poll conducted last year found that only 12% of American adults support keeping daylight saving time, while nearly half oppose it. The same poll indicated that, if forced to choose, most respondents would prefer to retain the extra evening daylight that daylight saving time provides.
Despite this mixed public opinion, President Trump has repeatedly voiced support for making daylight saving time permanent. In recent weeks, he posted the phone number of Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton – a vocal opponent – on his social media platform, urging the senator to reconsider his stance. Trump’s advocacy aligns with the administration’s broader goal of simplifying daily life for families and reducing the health risks associated with clock changes.
Practical tips for the upcoming shift
While the debate continues in Washington, individuals can ease the transition by adjusting bedtime routines in the days leading up to the change. Shifting sleep times by as little as 15 minutes each night can help the body adapt more smoothly. Getting outside for morning sunlight is especially effective; natural light in the early hours reinforces the circadian rhythm and promotes alertness throughout the day.
If getting outdoors is difficult, sitting by a bright window can provide a similar benefit. Reducing exposure to artificial light – such as computer screens and smartphones – in the evening also supports a timely melatonin surge, making it easier to fall asleep at the desired hour.
Legislative outlook
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming support in July, but it still faces hurdles in the Senate. President Trump’s public pressure underscores the administration’s commitment to a permanent daylight saving schedule, arguing that it would benefit American families, workers, and the nation’s overall health.
As the clock change approaches, residents are encouraged to follow the practical sleep‑health tips above while keeping an eye on the legislative developments that could reshape the nation’s approach to timekeeping.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
