Daylight Saving Time’ Is a Health Hazard. And We Knew Nothing About That?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) was initially introduced in Canada to align with the United States, promoting economic and social interactions with our southern neighbors.

However, it is rapidly losing support across Canada, and for good reason: the health risks associated with DST are becoming increasingly evident and concerning.

On March 2, 2026, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced the end of DST for most of the province. British Columbia will adopt permanent UTC−7, the same time standard observed in the Peace River region and neighboring Yukon, thus eliminating the need for seasonal clock changes. This means that clocks will spring forward for the last time on March 8, 2026, and will remain set to Pacific Time year-round. The decision aims to improve health, reduce disruptions caused by clock changes, and provide an extra hour of evening light during the winter months.

“We had committed to waiting for our American partners,” Eby stated. “But the reality is that they are stuck, and we want to help give them the push they need. Someone has to go first. The Yukon went first, and we thank them for that. But now we are going to make decisions that prioritize what is best for British Columbia.”

Well said, Mr. Eby. We hope more Canadian provinces will start focusing on what is best for Canadians rather than catering to our former ‘largest’ trading partner, a title we have since lost to the EU.

Next in line is Alberta, which is currently considering making a similar change. Other provinces and territories, such as Saskatchewan—part of the Mountain Time Zone—do not change their clocks, while the Yukon has long observed year-round UTC−7. Eastern Quebec and parts of Ontario also do not observe DST, maintaining standard time year-round.

So, what is wrong with a time system that has been in place since the early 1900s?

DST Is a Health Risk. How?

Daylight Saving Time disrupts our circadian rhythms, increasing the risks of heart attacks, mental health issues, sleep deprivation, and accidents.

Circadian Rhythm Disruption:

The primary health concern with DST is its impact on our circadian rhythms, the internal clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, mood, and other physiological functions. Even a one-hour shift in spring can cause “mini jet lag,” leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and disorientation. This disruption can exacerbate conditions such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder, negatively affecting cognitive performance, memory, and learning ability.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks:

Did you know that research indicates that the risk of heart attacks rises by approximately 24% on the Monday following the spring transition to DST? This is attributed largely to lost sleep and circadian misalignment. DST has also been linked to higher rates of strokes, obesity, and metabolic disturbances, as the body struggles to adjust to the sudden time change.

Sleep and Mental Health Impacts:

Springing forward reduces sleep duration and delays melatonin release, the hormone that promotes drowsiness. These effects can persist even after people adjust to the new schedule. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, as they naturally release melatonin later during puberty. Sleep disruptions can heighten stress, irritability, and fatigue, increasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

Increased Accident and Injury Risk:

DST is associated with a rise in traffic accidents and workplace injuries immediately after the time change. Studies report a 6% increase in fatal car accidents during the week following the spring shift, attributed to sleep deprivation, reduced alertness, and darker mornings. Workplace injuries also spike due to impaired focus and coordination.

Vulnerable Populations

Older adults, shift workers, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and those with sleep disorders are particularly affected by DST. Even minor disruptions to their sleep schedule can have significant health consequences.

Potential Solutions:

Health experts suggest that either permanent standard time or permanent daylight-saving time would be healthier alternatives to the current practice of biannual clock changes. Permanent standard time better aligns with natural circadian rhythms and could prevent hundreds of thousands of strokes while reducing obesity rates. In the short term, individuals can mitigate the effects of DST by gradually adjusting their sleep schedules, increasing exposure to morning light, and limiting caffeine and alcohol intake.

In summary, Daylight Saving Time is more than an inconvenience; it poses real health risks to our overall well-being. This underscores the need for Canada and its provinces to reconsider seasonal time changes.

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