In brief
The end of daylight saving time is set for this weekend, signaling a return to standard time and prompting significant dissatisfaction among Americans. A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that only 12% of U.S. adults support the current system of changing clocks, with a significant majority preferring a single, consistent time. Many argue for permanent daylight saving time rather than the seasonal switch, citing personal habits and health considerations. Why does the U.S. still observe this practice, and what are the public sentiments around this twice-a-year adjustment?
NEW YORK (AP) — As the clocks roll back this Sunday, signaling the end of daylight saving time, many Americans are bracing themselves for a transition they wish to bypass. According to a recent AP-NORC poll, only 12% of U.S. adults are in favor of this biannual clock adjustment, while almost half oppose it outright.
This weekend, at 2 a.m. local time, clocks will fall back an hour, marking the start of standard time. This move is traditionally seen as a chance for an extra hour of sleep, but for many, it brings an unwelcome close to longer evening daylight.
Pranava Jayanti, a 31-year-old from Los Angeles who experienced the clock change after moving from India, described the sudden onset of darkness as shocking, revealing how quickly it affects daily life. His sentiments echo those of many who prefer evening light, highlighting a broader trend of discontent with the daylight saving system.
Notably, the calls for abolishing the biannual clock switch have grown louder, with various interest groups and politicians advocating for a consistent time throughout the year. The American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine support making daylight saving time permanent, arguing it would benefit public health and daily routines.
The history of daylight saving time in the U.S. dates back to World War I, and despite its initial purpose, it has become a burden for many as shifting schedules disrupt sleep patterns and routines. Support for permanent daylight saving time is notably stronger among those who identify as night people, with 61% backing it, compared to a more divided opinion among morning-oriented respondents.
While the practice is observed in many parts of the world, some regions, including Arizona and Hawaii, opted out completely. This leaves the public split on whether the clock change remains a necessary inconvenience or a relic that should be changed. The upcoming transition may bring with it mixed feelings, but one thing is clear: as the nights grow longer, the discussion around time—both its function and our preferences for it—continues to be a contentious topic.
