Every spring and fall, millions of Americans adjust their clocks, a ritual that dates back over a century. Yet, the growing frustration with daylight savings time (DST) is impossible to ignore: nearly three in five people favor scrapping the twice-yearly clock change altogether. This strong public sentiment reflects deeper concerns about sleep, well-being, and how we organize our daily lives.
Why so many want daylight savings to disappear
Recent research by Travelodge, which gathered insights from more than 100,000 participants, revealed that 57% of respondents want to abolish daylight savings. For them, the biannual time shuffle causes more harm than good, disrupting routines and affecting health. The survey results highlight not just inconvenience but a genuine desire for stability in how we measure time.
The preference for a fixed time split in intriguing ways. About one in three people favor permanent British Summer Time, enjoying lighter evenings that extend daylight for after-work activities and family time. Conversely, roughly one in four respondents prefer permanent Greenwich Mean Time, valuing lighter mornings that help ease waking up and boost productivity early in the day.
Sleep deprivation linked to time changes
The implications of daylight savings go far beyond preferences. Travelodge’s study also shed light on a critical issue: roughly 20% of people report getting less than five hours of sleep per night, often linked to stress and anxiety. Experts emphasize that the disruption caused by time changes can exacerbate these problems, leading to increased health risks like fatigue and weakened immune response.
“Sleep patterns are delicate, and the abrupt clock shifts throw our internal clocks out of sync,” explained Dr. Lisa Nguyen in a 2024 study on circadian rhythms. “This suggests that the biannual time change is more than a mere inconvenience—it’s a public health concern.”
This expert insight echoes multiple scientific reports highlighting the harmful effects of DST transitions on heart health, mental wellness, and even accident rates. According to a CDC report, the days following springtime clock changes see an increase in traffic accidents and workplace injuries due to fatigue and reduced alertness. Such findings deepen the argument for reconsidering the practice.
The broader debate: lighter mornings versus lighter evenings
The appeal of permanent time settings revolves around two main perspectives. Advocates for year-round British Summer Time appreciate the extended evening daylight that encourages outdoor leisure, physical activity, and social gatherings. This shift aligns with modern lifestyles that increasingly value flexibility and work-life balance.
On the other hand, supporters of permanent Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) prioritize lighter mornings, which seem to facilitate a more natural wake cycle and reduce the grogginess associated with waking in darkness. Light exposure early in the day plays a pivotal role in regulating our body clocks, helping stabilize mood and focus.
What’s next for daylight savings?
The debate around daylight savings has gained momentum around the globe, with many regions reconsidering longstanding traditions. In the United States, for example, several states have introduced bills to stay on permanent standard or daylight time. Similarly, the European Union has discussed ending the practice, although consensus remains elusive.
For policymakers, balancing public preference, health data, and economic impact is complex. However, the Travelodge survey’s large sample size lends strong weight to the growing call for change in how societies handle timekeeping.
As attitudes shift, it’s clear that the tradition of adjusting clocks twice a year may be nearing its end. For many, the desire for consistent time reflects more than convenience—it’s about improving health, well-being, and quality of life.
What’s your take on daylight savings? Do you prefer brighter mornings or longer evenings? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below. Your voice helps shape a future where our clocks work better for all of us.