Health experts recommend permanent standard time over daylight saving

As discussions regarding the abolition of seasonal clock changes continue in Canada, Europe, and the United States, health researchers are providing guidance on which permanent time system is most beneficial. An analysis published in the ‘Canadian Medical Association Journal’ by experts from the University of British Columbia suggests that permanent standard time (winter time) is superior for public health compared to permanent daylight saving time.

Researchers, including Raymond Lam and Patrick Baylis, argue that morning light is essential for stabilizing the human circadian rhythm, sleep, and mood. While many people prefer permanent daylight saving time for longer evening light, experts warn that this can lead to ‘social jet lag,’ where biological clocks fall out of sync with social schedules. Permanent daylight saving time would result in darker winter mornings, which is linked to decreased productivity, poorer school performance, and potential mental health risks.

In Germany, the next seasonal transition to winter time is scheduled for October 25, 2026, when clocks will be set back one hour. While the energy-saving benefits of time changes remain highly debated and largely unproven, the biological impact of light exposure remains a central focus for chronobiologists.