Long-awaited legislation that unanimously passed the U.S. Senate last month, could affect how much time the public has at their disposal, impact working hours and potentially create health concerns for certain populations.
The Sunshine Protection Act, enacted to make Daylight Saving Time a permanent fixture in the lives of Americans, would alleviate setting clocks one hour forward in the spring and then reverting back to shorter days during fall and winter months of the calendar year.
Currently, the bill still needs approval from the House of Representatives and a signature from the president to move forward nationally, but if successful, all 50 states would follow standard time in 2023, according to a report from Reuters News Service.
Also, the states of Arizona and Hawaii would remain in their current observation of standard time since they do not adhere to Daylight Saving Time as a practice like the remaining states.
Locally, the Iowa Senate voted last month in favor of the Daylight Saving bill if it passes nationally, and bordering states also decide to move their clocks as well, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Senate legislators expressed concerns that the State of Iowa and its residents commute and conducts business closely between neighboring states such as Illinois and want to ensure that the proposed move does not create any problems if the state has its own time zone.
Concerning its affects on personal health and well-being, Daylight Saving Time, can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm or internal clock according to physicians at the Mayo Clinic. As a result of this one-hour time change, the body is no longer in sync with the external clock, causing those affected to feel “sluggish and foggy headed” similar to jet lag from an international flight. They suggest preparing the body for such change a few days before setting the clocks forward by going to bed and rising at least 15 minutes earlier than normal. This incremental change allows the body to slowly make the adjustment rather than abruptly, thereby creating symmetry which allow body to properly align itself with the external change.
Effects of Daylight Saving on Circadian Rhythm
(Source: Mayo Clinic News Network)
- Feeling sluggish
- Brain fog
- Disruptive sleep Patterns
- Weight gain
Suggestions for Managing the Time Change
(Source: Mayo Clinic News Network)
- Adjust sleep and wake times in 15-30 minute increments earlier.
- Step into the sun.
- Use essential oils to reduce anxiety due to the change.
- Plan ahead when traveling.
Categories: National News, News
