President-elect Donald Trump has promised to put an end to the twice-a-year clock changes that leave us groggy in the spring and wondering where the evening light went in the fall. But there’s a catch: If we’re going to stop changing the clocks, which time should we stick with? Should it be Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time? Each option has its pros and cons, and that’s where things get interesting.
Twice a year, like clockwork (pun intended), we all play a little game with time. We “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November. If you’re like most people, you probably groan at the idea of losing an hour of sleep in the spring and maybe rejoice a bit in the fall when you get that hour back. But what if we just stopped all this clock-flipping madness for good?
Believe it or not, that’s exactly what’s being proposed. But here’s the twist: If we end the time changes, which time should we keep? Should we lock in Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time? Each option has its pros and cons, and that’s where things get interesting.
Let’s break it down and see which one might be best for you. Spoiler alert: By the end of this article, you might just have a strong opinion about it—and we’d love to hear it!
Option 1: Standard Time (A.K.A. “The Natural Choice”)
If you’re all about nature and your body’s natural rhythm, Standard Time might be your pick. Here’s why:
Pros of Standard Time:
- More Natural Light in the Morning: Imagine waking up to sunshine instead of darkness. Standard Time aligns more closely with the sun’s natural rise and fall, which means brighter mornings. If you’re a morning person (or just someone who has to be up early), this could be a big win.
- Healthier Sleep Cycles: Experts, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, argue that Standard Time is better for your health. It’s more in sync with our natural circadian rhythms, and who doesn’t want to feel well-rested?
- Consistency With the Rest of the World: Most countries stick to Standard Time year-round. So if you’re tired of trying to figure out international meeting times, this option would make life a little simpler.
Cons of Standard Time:
- Earlier Sunsets in the Summer: If you’re a fan of those long summer evenings with the sun still shining at 8:30 PM, Standard Time might feel like a letdown. Depending on where you live, the sun could set closer to 7:30 PM in the summer.
- Less Evening Fun Time: If you’re someone who likes to barbecue, go for evening walks, or hang out at the beach until sunset, Standard Time could cramp your style. Less sunlight in the evening means less time for after-work leisure.
Option 2: Daylight Saving Time (A.K.A. “The Summer Vibe Forever”)
Daylight Saving Time—that’s the one we “spring forward” into each March—has its own devoted fan club. People love the late sunsets and extra evening light. Here’s what’s in it for you:
Pros of Daylight Saving Time:
- Longer Evenings: This is the main draw. Sunsets at 8:30 PM in the summer? Yes, please! You get more time to enjoy life after work, whether it’s grilling out, playing sports, or just sitting on the porch soaking up the view.
- Potential Economic Boost: More daylight in the evening means more opportunities for people to shop, dine out, and engage in leisure activities—all of which can give local businesses a nice boost.
- Fewer Early-Morning Darkness Blues (Sort Of): In some places, especially farther north, the sun might rise after 8:00 AM during parts of the year if we stay on Daylight Saving Time. But if you’re not an early riser, maybe that’s not a big deal.
Cons of Daylight Saving Time:
- Dark Mornings: For a chunk of the year, you’d be waking up and heading to work or school in total darkness. If you’re not a fan of stumbling around in the dark with your coffee, this might be a dealbreaker.
- Sleep Disruption: While people love the evening sun, sleep experts aren’t big fans of Daylight Saving Time. It’s harder on your body’s internal clock, and some experts argue it’s linked to higher rates of heart attacks and strokes right after the time change.
- Could It Be Too Much of a Good Thing? There’s something to be said for balance. Maybe endless summer evenings sound fun at first, but having pitch-black mornings for several months a year could be a little depressing.
So, What Do YOU Think?
Here’s where you come in. Do you want endless summer evenings with later sunsets, or would you prefer sunlit mornings to help you wake up naturally? If you’re a night owl, you’re probably on Team Daylight Saving Time. If you’re a morning bird, you might prefer Team Standard Time.
It’s worth noting that Arizona and Hawaii already ditched this whole back-and-forth system. They’ve decided to stay on Standard Time year-round, and life goes on just fine there. Florida Senator Marco Rubio and even President-elect Donald Trump have suggested we should end the clock-changing ritual altogether. But what should we stick with once it’s gone?
There’s no right or wrong answer—just what works best for you, your lifestyle, and your sleep schedule.
Time to Weigh In!
Now it’s your turn. Which side are you on? Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time? Maybe you’re just here to say, “Let’s stop changing the clocks twice a year already!”
We want to hear from you. Drop a comment below and tell us your thoughts. Are you Team Standard or Team Daylight? Are you more concerned with early sunrises or those beautiful late sunsets?
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
Find more articles like this at steadfastandloyal.com.
Daylight savings time isn’t a law. Hawaii and Arizona don’t observe it.
My internal clock has a hard time adjusting to the latest change in Nov. I believe I am still having adjustment issues. As far as I am concerned, I will be happy with the way other countries are and Standard Time. If it gets changed, let it be Standard time.
If we could get other countries on board splitting it down the middle and changing it a half hour would be minimally disruptive.
Stay on standard time
Standard time!!’
I think we should split it. Change the time by 30 minutes and leave it alone.
I’m a fan of DST but I’d settle for splitting the difference. DS and DST are a modern concept anyway. Then we can complain about time zones and jet lag.
Daylight Saving Time all year long! It brings a boost to the economy and our emotional and mental alertness by having extra daylight to enjoy family time.
I like Daylight Saving Time. I never feel awake with Standard Time! I am ready for bed by 7:00 during the winter . When it is light out later I feel alive again!
Morning person. easy answer
Standard time
Daylight savings time, which is also the Atlantic time zone.
It’s very relevant for all the reasons above.
Living in New England especially east of the Connecticut River, I’d be in favor of my section of New England switch to Atlantic time zone.
I think Standard Time would be best. It would align with the rest of the world and end the confusion of calculating time differences between countries. Also, sunshine in the early morning is great to see especially if you have to commute far to get to work.
Daylight Savings always!
I’m 85 years old and hate changes. Stay on standard time.
Standard time is best. Get up with nature the way God intended.