Americans Divided Over Daylight Saving Time

As the end of daylight saving time approaches, Americans face mixed feelings about the biannual clock change. Though it means an extra hour of sleep, many are not in favor. A new AP-NORC poll shows that only 12% of U.S. adults support the current system of changing clocks twice a year. In contrast, 47% are against it and 40% remain neutral.

Across the country, clocks will be set back at 2 a.m. on Sunday, reverting to standard time and offering more daylight in the mornings. This change, however, is viewed unfavorably by many. A majority prefer the extra hour of evening daylight brought by daylight saving time.

Pranava Jayanti, a 31-year-old from Los Angeles, strongly opposes the change. Originally from India where time remains constant, he found the adjustment challenging despite being forewarned by his relatives when moving to the U.S.

There have been discussions on abolishing the clock changes. Legislative efforts, including one halted after Senate approval in 2022, aim to address this. Supporting a permanent time system are entities like the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, as well as former President Donald Trump.

However, a significant number prefer mornings, according to the poll. Notably, daylight saving, often improperly termed as ‘daylight savings’, is less favored by this group.

History of Daylight Saving Time

The United States first implemented time changes over a century ago during World War I and again in World War II. A 1966 law allowed states to choose whether to participate, with only Arizona and Hawaii opting to remain on standard time year-round. Other countries like Canada and Europe also adjust clocks, while regions such as Asia do not.

Despite approximately half of U.S. adults disliking the time switch — including 27% with strong opposition — many, particularly those under 30, are indifferent. Older adults tend to oppose it more.

If asked to choose, 56% prefer permanent daylight saving time, valuing evening daylight over morning light. Night-oriented individuals are more inclined to this, with 61% in favor compared to a near even split among morning enthusiasts.

Vicky Robson, a retired nurse from Minnesota, favors daylight saving time. She finds evening light beneficial for her activities and prefers not needing morning light.

Rationale Behind the Clock Change

There’s no definitive evidence supporting one time system over the other for societal welfare. However, adjusting habits for sleep and lifestyle remains advised. Research from Stanford highlights that a consistent time could benefit the human circadian rhythm, with standard time offering slightly better health advantages.

Jamie Zeitzer from Stanford underscores the importance of morning light for a strong circadian rhythm, though personal preferences play a significant role in opinions.

America attempted a shift to permanent daylight saving time in the 1970s, but it was short-lived due to its unpopularity. Today, the practice reflects cultural norms, with seasonal daylight changes ingrained in American life.

Chad Orzel, a professor, notes the cultural acceptance of seasonal daylight shifts. Although challenging, changes balance summer evening light with winter sunrise needs.

The AP-NORC poll, conducted Oct. 9-13 with 1,289 adults, carries a margin of sampling error of 3.8 percentage points, representing U.S. adults broadly.