B.C. Adopts Permanent Daylight Time, Experts Warn of Health Risks

British Columbia has decided to implement permanent daylight time, a move that sleep researchers warn could adversely affect public health. Beginning this weekend, the province will shift its clocks forward and will not revert to standard time, a change that has raised concerns among experts about its potential implications for residents’ well-being.

Health Concerns Over Permanent Daylight Time

According to Myriam Juda, an adjunct professor and sleep researcher at Simon Fraser University, the decision to adopt permanent daylight time contradicts scientific advice. “Scientists around the world have been warning about the negative health and safety implications of permanent daylight saving time and have been advocating for permanent standard time instead,” Juda stated.

Critics of the change, including Jamie Zeitzer, a professor in Stanford University’s department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, express similar concerns. Zeitzer noted that it was “kind of weird” to see his research cited by the British Columbia government in support of the decision. He emphasized that a switch to permanent daylight time is “scientifically not a good idea.”

The scientific community generally agrees that standard time aligns better with human circadian rhythms. Under standard time, sunlight peaks around noon, allowing for a more balanced distribution of daylight throughout the day. In contrast, daylight saving time alters the clock, resulting in reduced morning light and extended afternoon brightness. This shift can disrupt sleep-wake cycles, potentially leading to negative health consequences.

Juda explained that exposure to morning light is crucial for regulating melatonin release later in the day. Without adequate morning light, individuals may experience increased alertness at night and heightened fatigue during the day, particularly affecting teenagers who already have shifting sleep patterns.

Impacts on Daily Life and Health

The implications of permanent daylight time are particularly pronounced in communities like Vancouver and Victoria, which are located on the western edge of the time zone. In midwinter, for instance, sunrise could occur after 9 a.m., meaning many children would walk to school in darkness and office workers would commute without morning light exposure.

Juda estimates that most British Columbians could lose nearly half an hour of sleep each night due to this change. Additionally, the phenomenon of “social jet lag” may arise, where daily routines misalign with the body’s natural light exposure. This mismatch, combined with reduced sleep, could lead to various health issues over time.

Zeitzer’s research team in the United States has linked an out-of-sync circadian cycle to numerous adverse health outcomes. He pointed out that maintaining a consistent clock schedule is likely to yield health benefits. “From a circadian perspective, permanent standard time would be healthier, especially regarding conditions like strokes and obesity,” he noted.

While none of the interviewed scientists were aware of peer-reviewed research supporting a shift to permanent daylight saving time, Zeitzer acknowledged that ending twice-yearly clock changes is preferable to continuing them. His team’s findings indicate that the spring clock change is associated with increased rates of heart attacks and car accidents as people adjust to less sleep.

The public’s response to the change has been mixed. The British Columbia Ministry of Attorney General stated that the extra evening daylight benefits outdoor activities and safer commutes, citing over 90 percent support for permanent daylight time during public consultations in 2019. However, residents were only presented with two options: to continue changing clocks or to adopt permanent daylight saving time. The option of permanent standard time was not offered.

Zeitzer criticized this limited choice, comparing it to asking if someone is doing a “great job” or a “fantastic job” as a teacher. The government explained that standard time was not considered because neighboring jurisdictions were not moving toward it, and they wanted to maintain alignment with those areas.

In discussing the potential economic benefits of daylight saving time, Zeitzer remarked that longer, lighter evenings could encourage activities such as golfing, shopping, and dining. However, he cautioned that these economic arguments do not necessarily correlate with improved health outcomes.

As British Columbia prepares to embrace permanent daylight time, experts urge the government to reconsider the potential health ramifications and explore alternative options that might better align with the well-being of its residents.