Changing clocks to spring forward and fall back has its detractors, but whether making daylight saving time or standard time permanent is better remains unclear.
Traffic safety and sleep science experts testified Wednesday before a state House committee on proposals to end the twice-yearly clock changes.
Under the federal Uniform Time Act, states may opt out of daylight saving time but cannot make it permanent without congressional approval. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania could exempt the state from the current system, but committee chairman Rep. David Delloso said more discussion is needed before any vote.
Supporters of ending the time changes point to health and academic benefits. Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, a University of Pennsylvania professor, said losing an hour of sleep each spring contributes to widespread sleep deprivation and can lead to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, injuries, and mental health issues.
She said the body relies on morning light and evening darkness to regulate sleep cycles, and shifting clocks disrupts that rhythm, sometimes for months.
Teenagers are especially affected due to natural shifts in sleep patterns, according to Amy Goldman of the Regional Adolescent Sleep Needs Coalition. She noted that dozens of Pennsylvania schools have already adjusted schedules to better align with student sleep needs.
Still, lawmakers raised concerns about how permanent time changes could affect daily routines, including agriculture and youth sports, particularly if mornings or evenings remain darker year-round.
Several proposals are under consideration, including one bill to end daylight saving time and another to make it permanent if federal law allows. A resolution urging Congress to adopt permanent daylight saving time nationwide is also being reviewed.
Across the country, hundreds of similar measures have been introduced, though few have taken effect due to federal restrictions. Neighboring states have largely not acted, complicating regional coordination.
Traffic safety experts said lighting conditions are a key concern. Nighttime driving accounts for a disproportionate number of fatal crashes, though studies on the effects of time changes have produced mixed results.
Experts generally agree on one point: eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year could reduce confusion and potential risks, even if the broader impacts of a permanent system remain uncertain.
Source: PA Capital-Star