DARIEN, IL – The Coalition for Permanent Standard Time today called on Congress to remove language from H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act, that would advance permanent daylight saving time nationwide. The proposal, drawn from the Sunshine Protection Act, would negatively affect sleep, school mornings, work commutes and public safety. The language was added as part of a broad transportation bill moving through Congress.
Ending the twice-a-year clock change remains a goal shared by many Americans, but choosing permanent daylight saving time would create extremely late sunrises in winter, meaning much darker, colder and harder starts for millions of families, students and workers.
“Americans deserve an honest discussion before Congress permanently changes the clock for nearly every home, school and workplace in the country,” said Dr. Karin Johnson, professor of neurology, sleep medicine physician, and co-chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time. “Permanent daylight saving time would shift essential morning light later and put our body clocks at odds with the sun. Standard time is the option that best supports health, safety and common sense.”
Standard time more closely matches the body’s internal clock, which helps the brain wake up and stay on a stable schedule and sets sleep, mood, focus and health. Daylight saving time moves light later in the day, which can make mornings darker and nights harder for sleep.
Researchers have linked time-clock mismatch with lost sleep, lower productivity and higher safety risks. The winter impact of permanent daylight time would have children waiting for buses before sunrise and sleepy commuters driving in dark mornings. Families could face months of school and work days that begin before natural light.
“We have tried permanent daylight saving time before, and the public turned against it after one winter of dark mornings,” Johnson said. “The coalition supports permanent standard time as the safer and healthier way to end seasonal clock changes. We call on Congress to give this life-changing topic the stand-alone attention it deserves.”
Learn more about the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time and support efforts to “ditch daylight saving time” by visiting the coalition website at ditchDST.com.
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About the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time
The Coalition for Permanent Standard Time is a national advocacy group working to end seasonal clock changes in favor of permanent standard time. Based in the United States, the coalition brings together health, sleep and safety advocates who support time policy rooted in science and daily life.
