Public Opinion
I work in sleep medicine. Daylight saving time is costing you. | Your Turn
The discussion isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about recognizing that our biology responds to light, not the numbers on a clock
Opinion Forum
USA TODAY
Aug. 3, 2026, 6:05 a.m. ET
Like many families, we notice the transition each spring and fall around daylight saving time. The clock change affects sleep schedules, children’s routines and how quickly everyone adjusts over the following days
But my perspective is also shaped by working in sleep medicine. I’ve spent years helping patients understand that sleep isn’t simply about the number of hours we spend in bed – it’s also about timing. Even a one-hour shift can temporarily disrupt the body’s internal clock, affecting alertness, mood, reaction time and overall well-being
The discussion isn’t just about inconvenience. It’s about recognizing that our biology responds to light, not the numbers on a clock. Morning sunlight is the primary signal that synchronizes our circadian rhythm, which influences far more than sleep alone. Because of that, I hope this conversation encourages more Americans to learn about circadian health. Regardless of where someone ultimately stands on the policy itself, understanding why timing matters is valuable for every family.
I believe the twice-yearly clock changes should end. However, ending clock changes is not the same thing as adopting permanent daylight saving time. This distinction has been lost in many headlines
Most sleep and circadian science organizations agree that changing the clocks twice each year is disruptive. Where they differ from the current legislation is which clock should become permanent
Earlier morning light is key for mental, physical health
Permanent standard time more closely aligns our social schedules with human biology because it preserves earlier morning light. Morning sunlight is the strongest environmental cue for synchronizing the body’s circadian clock, influencing sleep, alertness, learning, mood, metabolism and cardiovascular health
Permanent daylight saving time would delay winter sunrise for many communities, meaning more children would travel to school and more adults would begin work before daylight. While later evening sunlight is understandably appealing, the biological importance of morning light deserves equal consideration
This isn’t simply a debate about preference. It’s a discussion about how we align our social clocks with human physiology. As policymakers consider the future of timekeeping, I hope the conversation reflects both practical concerns and the growing body of circadian science
Congress has the capacity to address multiple issues simultaneously, and public health policies deserve thoughtful consideration alongside other national priorities. Rather than viewing this as “just changing the clocks,” I hope lawmakers recognize that decisions about time affect millions of people every day. School schedules, workplace safety, transportation, cardiovascular health, mental health and sleep are all influenced by how our society aligns with the natural light-dark cycle.
Whether Congress ultimately chooses permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time, my hope is that the decision is informed by the best available scientific evidence. This is one of those rare policy discussions where biology has a meaningful seat at the table. We should make sure it’s heard
— Brooke Quinn, North Carolina
This piece was submitted as part of USA TODAY’s Forum, a new space for conversation. See what we’re talking about at usatoday.com/forum and share your perspective at forum@usatoday.com
