The persistent, twice-yearly disruption to our internal clocks – Daylight Saving Time (DST) – is facing increasing scrutiny, and a growing number of places are choosing to simply stop the shifting. While much of North America prepares to “spring forward” on March 8th, British Columbia is taking a different tack: enacting permanent DST after this final clock change. This isn’t a celebration of longer evenings, however, but a recognition of the mounting evidence demonstrating the tangible harms of manipulating our circadian rhythms. The situation in British Columbia, and particularly the independent stance of the town of Creston, isn’t about embracing more daylight; it’s about prioritizing public health in the face of a tradition increasingly at odds with scientific understanding.
The announcement from British Columbia’s Premier David Eby on March 1st – “British Columbia is going to change our clocks just one more time—and then never again” – has garnered attention, but headlines often oversimplify the issue. It’s not simply about convenience, but a response to decades of research highlighting the negative consequences of DST. While proponents historically argued for traffic safety and energy savings, these claims are increasingly challenged by data. A 2018 study in Internal and Emergency Medicine, for example, found up to a 29% increase in heart attacks following the switch to DST, a statistic that underscores the physiological stress induced by the abrupt time change. The narrative of increased safety is further complicated by a Spanish study published in Epidemiology revealing a startling 30% increase in fatal car accidents on the day clocks spring forward between 1990 and 2014.
The core of the issue lies in our circadian rhythms – the internal biological processes governing sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and countless other bodily functions. These rhythms are fundamentally synchronized to the natural light-dark cycle, and DST throws this synchronization into disarray. Dr. Charles Johnson, a leading researcher in the field, explains, “We’re changing the clocks but we’re not changing the signals our body aligns to.” This misalignment isn’t a temporary inconvenience; research indicates lingering effects. A 2025 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences projects that permanent Standard Time could lower the U.S. prevalence of obesity by 0.78% (2.6 million cases) and stroke by 0.09% (300,000 cases). Even months after the time change, hormone levels remain demonstrably closer to those experienced under Standard Time, indicating a prolonged period of physiological disruption. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) formally recognized these risks in a 2020 position paper, advocating for the abolition of seasonal time changes in favor of year-round Standard Time.
This article draws on reporting from time.com.
The town of Creston, nestled in the Kootenay region, offers a fascinating counterpoint to the provincial decision. Choosing to remain on Standard Time year-round, Creston is upholding a local tradition, prioritizing a consistent rhythm over the mandated shift. The Explore Creston Valley website simply states they maintain Standard Time “without any hassle,” a sentiment that speaks to a pragmatic approach to well-being. This local autonomy highlights a growing tension between centralized timekeeping policies and the lived experiences of communities. While British Columbia moves towards permanent DST, Creston demonstrates that a return to consistent Standard Time is a viable and, for some, preferable alternative.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the limitations to consider. The studies cited primarily focus on the U.S. population, and the effects may vary in different geographical locations and demographic groups. Furthermore, correlation does not equal causation; while studies demonstrate associations between DST and adverse health outcomes, establishing definitive causal links requires further investigation. The impact of permanent DST, as opposed to permanent Standard Time, also remains relatively unexplored. The current trajectory in British Columbia, while a step away from seasonal changes, doesn’t necessarily align with the recommendations of the AASM, which advocates for Standard Time. The potential consequences of permanently shifting our clocks forward – including potential impacts on sleep patterns and increased exposure to evening sunlight – require careful monitoring.
The debate surrounding DST is far from settled. Despite growing scientific consensus and increasing legislative efforts, the Sunshine Protection Act continues to stall in the U.S. Congress. While states have expressed interest in adopting permanent Standard Time, they remain constrained by the Uniform Time Act of 1966, requiring federal approval. The question now isn’t simply if we will abandon seasonal time changes, but how. Will the U.S. follow British Columbia’s path towards permanent DST, potentially exacerbating the health risks identified by researchers? Or will it heed the call for permanent Standard Time, prioritizing alignment with our natural circadian rhythms? As more regions grapple with this issue, observing the long-term health outcomes in British Columbia – and particularly in communities like Creston that have already embraced a consistent time – will be critical in shaping the future of timekeeping.
