As the UK prepares to “spring forward” this month, it’s time to question whether this century-old practice still serves our modern society.
Introduction
Twice a year, we change our clocks—springing forward in March and falling back in October. Daylight saving time (DST) was introduced in the UK during World War I to save energy and make better use of daylight. But does it still serve a purpose, or is it an outdated practice with more risks than benefits? Growing evidence suggests that DST disrupts our health, increases accident risks, and may no longer provide the energy savings it was originally designed for. Should the UK abolish it?
The Health Risks of Daylight Saving Time
Changing the clocks by just one hour may seem trivial, but research shows it has serious consequences for our health. The abrupt shift disrupts our circadian rhythms, the internal biological clocks that regulate sleep, metabolism, and heart function.
Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes
Studies have shown that in the days following the spring transition to DST, the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) increases by up to 24%. The disruption in sleep patterns and increased stress on the body may contribute to this spike in heart attacks. Similarly, stroke risk rises after the time change, particularly in older adults.
Sleep Disruption and Fatigue
DST reduces sleep duration and quality, leading to increased fatigue. Sleep deprivation is associated with higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and immune dysfunction. For many, the adjustment period lasts several days, but some people never fully adapt.
Mental Health Effects
The time change is linked to a higher risk of depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), especially in the autumn when daylight hours shrink. Suicide rates have been shown to increase in the days following the spring time change, possibly due to circadian misalignment and sleep loss.
Increased Accident Risks
More Traffic Accidents
Studies show that traffic accidents spike after the clocks move forward in spring. A 6% increase in fatal car crashes has been observed in the US in the week following DST. Fatigue from lost sleep, combined with darker mornings, may contribute to the rise in accidents.
Workplace and Public Safety Risks
Workplace accidents also increase, particularly in industries that require high attention to detail. Research suggests that DST leads to more errors and decreased productivity, costing businesses millions each year.
Does DST Still Serve a Purpose?
The Myth of Energy Savings
One of the main arguments for DST was energy conservation. However, modern research suggests that the savings are minimal or nonexistent. While DST may reduce lighting costs, this is offset by increased heating and cooling expenses. A study in the US found that DST reduced lighting use by only 0.3%, but increased energy demand for heating and air conditioning.
Economic and Social Impacts
DST may benefit some businesses, such as tourism and retail, by extending evening daylight hours. However, sectors like agriculture often oppose it, as it disrupts farming schedules. The financial costs of increased health risks and accidents may outweigh any minor economic benefits.
Should the UK Abolish DST?
Public opinion in the UK has been shifting steadily against DST. A YouGov poll conducted in 2019 found that 59% of Britons would prefer to stop changing the clocks, with 44% preferring permanent summer time and 15% favoring permanent winter time. While not an overwhelming consensus, it represents a significant shift from earlier decades when DST was largely unquestioned.
But YouGov data has consistently showed that the public are divided on the necessity of the bi-annual clock adjustments, with our latest poll showing that, while 46% of Britons think we should continue to implement daylight saving time, a further 42% think we should scrap it.
Several countries have already moved away from DST, including Russia, Turkey, and most recently, the European Union, where discussions are ongoing about scrapping it entirely.
There are two main alternatives:
- Permanent standard time (GMT year-round): This would align human activity more closely with natural circadian rhythms, improving sleep and health outcomes.
- Permanent DST (BST year-round): This would provide lighter evenings in winter but could disrupt morning routines and circadian biology.
Public opinion on DST varies, but many sleep scientists advocate for permanent standard time, as it is more in sync with our biological clocks.
Conclusion
The evidence against DST is growing. From increased heart attacks and strokes to higher traffic accident rates and mental health effects, the risks seem to outweigh the benefits. Meanwhile, the expected energy savings have not materialised , and the economic benefits are questionable.
Should the UK follow other nations in abolishing daylight saving time? With mounting scientific evidence and shifting global trends, it may be time to reconsider this century-old practice.
What do you think? Should we keep DST or move to a permanent time system?
References
Rishi MA, Ahmed O, Barrantes Perez JH, et al. Daylight saving time: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(10):1781–1784.
Crawford MR et al. The British Sleep Society position statement on Daylight Saving Time in the UK. J Sleep Res. 2024;DOI:10.1111/jsr.14352.
YouGov. (2019). YouGov Poll: Attitudes towards Daylight Saving Time in the UK.
Manfredini R, Fabbian F, Cappadona R, et al. (2019). Daylight saving time and acute myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(3), 404.
Vetter C, Pattison PM, Houser K, et al. (2023). A review of harmful effects of daylight saving time transitions. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 38(6), 535-560.
