Canadian MP introduces legislation to end DST while expert offers tips on coping with time change
Doing away with daylight saving time (DST) could bring many positives to workers’ health, according to a recent report.
Stanford Medicine researchers found that shifting clocks twice a year disrupts circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, and other physiological processes.
The collective loss of an hour’s sleep each spring has already been linked to a spike in heart attacks and fatal traffic accidents in the days following the change, according to the report.
But the Stanford Medicine team, led by Dr. Jamie Zeitzer, found that the long-term health consequences are even more concerning. By modelling light exposure and its effects on circadian health, they estimate that permanent standard time would prevent roughly 300,000 cases of stroke and result in 2.6 million fewer people with obesity each year in the United States. Permanent daylight saving time would achieve about two-thirds of these benefits.
“We found that staying in standard time or staying in daylight saving time is definitely better than switching twice a year,” said Dr. Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences and senior author of the study.
The researchers note that either permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time would be healthier than the current system, with permanent standard time benefitting the most people.
“From a circadian perspective, we’ve made the worst choice,” the researchers state.
“You generally need more morning light and less evening light to keep well synchronised to a 24-hour day,” Dr. Zeitzer explained. An out-of-sync circadian cycle, the study notes, has been associated with a range of poor health outcomes, including weakened immune function, reduced energy, and increased risk of chronic disease.
“Falling back” or “springing forward” into DST affects productivity for weeks, according to a previous report.
Daylight saving legislation
Recently, Liberal MP Marie-France Lalonde said she will introduce legislation that could possibly put an end to the annual shifting of hours.
“My [bill] will seek to ask the federal government to hold a pan-Canadian conference alongside their provincial and territorial counterparts, as well as our Indigenous partners, to formalise an agreement to end this practice and establish one set time in Canada,” Lalonde said, according to a City News report.
She adds that governments from different parts of the country must come together to make the change happen.
“Time regulation is a provincial and territorial jurisdiction, but what we can do, and we must do, is bring all jurisdictions to the table. A united front is the only way to ensure meaningful, nation-wide change. I believe Canada can be a leader on this matter and set the precedent to allow others to follow our lead.”
Clocks will fall back on Nov. 2 and will spring forward again on March 8.
Overtime and total hours worked is a key consideration for employers who have employees working when DST ends, according to a previous report.
How to adjust to DST change?
Jim LaValle, Chief Science Officer at Life Time and creator of the Metabolic Code, emphasises that “our body’s internal clocks thrive on consistency, and our circadian rhythm is like our overall operating system. The better we manage stress and recovery during this transition, the more resilient our energy and focus will be in the weeks ahead.”
Even a one-hour shift can impact cortisol levels, blood sugar, and sleep quality, but LaValle says preparation and routine can make a significant difference.
Here are some things workers and employers can do as DST approaches, according to LaValle:
Ease into it early: Encourage employees to start adjusting their bedtime and wake-up time by 15–20 minutes a few days before the clocks change. This gradual shift helps the body recalibrate without a sudden jolt.
Prioritise morning light: Exposure to natural sunlight within the first hour of waking is one of the strongest cues to reset the internal clock. HR can promote outdoor breaks or suggest light therapy lamps for those starting work before sunrise. “Aim for at least 20–30 minutes outdoors or consider a light therapy lamp for 15–20 minutes if it’s still dark,” says LaValle.
Stick to a routine: Consistency is key. Advise employees to keep sleep and meal times regular—even on weekends. Healthy habits like staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich meals support the body’s adjustment. Late-night eating can blunt melatonin release and alter insulin sensitivity, impacting next-day energy and recovery.
Set the scene for sleep: Recommend dimming lights, powering down screens, and cooling the bedroom to around 18–20°C (65–69°F) at night. Consider sleep support supplements, such as magnesium, to promote relaxation and deeper sleep. LaValle notes that “magnesium capsules can also boost rest by supporting relaxation.”
Cut back on caffeine and alcohol: Suggest skipping caffeine after midday and limiting alcohol in the evening, as both can disrupt deep sleep. Instead, consider adding electrolytes to hydration routines.
Move your body, but not too late: Encourage exercise for better sleep quality, but remind employees to avoid intense workouts close to bedtime. Morning or early afternoon sessions are best, and strenuous activity should be finished at least two hours before going to bed.
