TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and other senators introduced a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent. It has bipartisan support, including President Donald Trump.

The Sunshine Protection Act looks to officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change and make daylight saving time the national year-round standard. 

What You Need To Know

  • U.S. Sen. Rick Scott introduced a bill to make daylight saving time permanent

  • The Sunshine Protection Act would officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change
  • The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says daylight saving time affects our health and sleep patterns, suggesting standard time aligns more with our body’s natural circadian rhythms

Many people feel rolling back the clocks or moving them forward is outdated, and making daylight saving time permanent would be beneficial for people who like to do outdoor activities.

“I hear from Americans constantly that they are sick and tired of changing their clocks twice a year. It’s an unnecessary, decades-old practice that’s more of an annoyance to families than a benefit to them,” Scott said in a statement. “I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK so we can get this good bill passed and make this common-sense change that will simplify and benefit the lives of American families.”

If passed, this would make sunrise and sunset times later in the day during the winter months.

While long-time avid golfer Garry Colvin is excited about what the change could do for his golf game, some health experts say making DST permanent could also affect our health.

A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 63% of Americans would prefer to eliminate seasonal time changes, and that 55% experience tiredness following the switch.

According to the AASM, they say standard time aligns more closely with our body’s natural circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.

When daylight saving time is in effect, experts say prolonged light exposure can delay bedtime and disrupt sleep patterns.

“It disrupts our body clocks, affects our sleep quality, and increases the risk of avoidable health and safety incidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, and even workplace errors in the days following the time change," said Jay Pea, co-chair of the coalition and president of Save Standard Time. "Adopting permanent standard time, on the other hand, offers a better solution for year-round well-being.”

This year we spring forward to daylight saving time on March 9. 

AASM has some tips for transitioning to DST:

  • Get at least seven hours of sleep per night before and after the time change. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine is crucial.
  • Gradually adjust your bedtime and rise time by shifting them 15-20 minutes earlier each night a few nights before the time change.
  • Adjust the timing of daily routines that are “time cues” for your body, such as your mealtimes or exercise schedule.
  • Set offline clocks ahead one hour on the evening of Saturday, March 8, and go to bed at your usual time. Online clocks will adjust automatically at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9.
  • Head outdoors for early morning sunlight the week after the time change, as the bright light will help set your internal clock to the new time. This helps regulate sleep and alertness.

The bill has been introduced several times and passed the Senate in 2022, but never made it to law. The bill was reintroduced in January, and is awaiting the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.