What you need to know about Trump's daylight saving time plan and its impact on sleep.

Some experts believe that doing away with daylight saving time (DST) could improve health and wellness, a suggestion made by President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump announced the goal in a post on Truth Social last Friday.

"The Republican Party will strive to abolish Daylight Saving Time, despite its small but fervent support, as it is inconvenient and expensive to our country."

The majority of the U.S. observes DST, which requires moving clocks forward by an hour in the spring (on the second Sunday in March) to increase daylight during summer evenings.

Standard time is observed from the first Sunday in November.

The Standard Time Act, enacted in 1918 as a wartime measure during World War I, introduced the practice.

In 1942 during World War II, the implementation was again carried out to save fuel and enhance national security and defense.

In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, a federal mandate that established daylight saving time after two decades of not enforcing the rule.

Doing away with disruption

A board-certified neurologist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, supports Trump's goal of abolishing DST.

""DST is no longer necessary, according to him, as the historical rationale behind it is no longer relevant," he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital."

"Honestly, it’s about time, no pun intended."

According to Murray, disruptions in sleep patterns caused by changing clocks twice a year can lead to various health problems.

He stated that many problems arise during the spring, particularly when we switch to daylight saving time and lose an hour of sleep.

The doctor observed that decreased sleep duration and increased fatigue during daytime hours are the results of several studies showing this change.

Murray stated that this frequently impacts cognitive function and appears to slow down thinking speed.

Studies have indicated that depression is more likely to occur during time changes.

Numerous research findings indicate a heightened risk of stroke within the initial two to three days following a time change, as stated by Murray.

"The disruption in the circadian rhythm may contribute to the overall stress it causes on the body."

If daylight saving time is abolished, sleep quality may enhance, according to Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in both Manhattan and Washington, D.C.

He informed Planet Chronicle Digital that a sudden change in time can negatively impact sleep patterns, resulting in low-quality sleep and exhaustion.

"Eliminating daylight saving time could help maintain a consistent sleep schedule, thereby reducing some of the issues resulting from poor sleep quality."

Alpert stated that he observes the impact of time change on his patients during both spring and fall.

"My patients are experiencing decreased focus and increased fatigue, and frequently express stress-related complaints," he observed. "Implementing a consistent schedule could alleviate these issues."

"The abrupt shift in time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue."

"Consistently adhering to a time system could enhance alertness and potentially boost productivity."

Alpert emphasized the importance of consistent light and dark cycles in regulating the body's circadian rhythm.

He stated that disruptions caused by daylight saving have been linked to an increase in mood disorders, which aligns with his observations in practice.

Studies suggest that workplace accidents and injuries may decrease after a time change, according to a psychotherapist.

‘A seasonal shift’?

Eliminating DST may have its advantages, but there could also be a downside, according to Alpert.

If daylight saving time were not observed, there would be less sunlight in the evening during spring and summer, potentially limiting opportunities for post-work outdoor activities that benefit mental health, as stated by the individual to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"I would have genuine worries about the potential effects on individuals, particularly those susceptible to mood swings."

The expert pointed out that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn't limited to winter.

"Reduced evening daylight hours may decrease individuals' drive to engage in physical or social activities following work."

"People will adapt and adjust if a change is made — and will ultimately thrive."

As for many people, the end of DST signifies a seasonal shift.

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Alpert predicted that if a change is made, there will be backlash because the arguments for eliminating it are as strong as those for keeping it.

If a change is made, people will adapt and adjust over time, ultimately thriving.