Most Americans are familiar with the terms “fall back” and “spring forward” as the two times of year that our sleep patterns get thrown off. From March to November, the United States (with the exception of Indiana and people in the Mountain time zone) switches to Daylight Saving Time. In the 1800s, some areas participated in it for farming purposes, and it became widespread in 1966 as a way to save energy costs by having it stay light later into the evening. 

Now experts are saying that those reasons are antiquated and Daylight Saving Time should come to an end.

Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at the case for moving away from DST.

Report: Lack of Sleep Due to Time Change Can Be Dangerous

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) wrote in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine that these time changes should be abolished because they cause sleep-related issues that cause a danger to themselves and others.

They point to research that shows fatal car crashes rose by as much as 6% in the week following the spring forward time change (when we “lose” an hour of sleep). A separate study found an 18% increase in medical mistakes caused by human error during that same time period each year.

The experts argue that Daylight Saving Time disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm because it’s dark later into the morning and light well into the evening hours. Some states (like Florida) have proposed staying on Daylight Saving Time all year, but the consensus of experts is that remaining on standard time would be best for the majority of the country. The European Union also voted to abolish seasonal time changes. 

To learn more about Holliswood Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://holliswood-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/