The Global Shift Away From Clock Changes
Most of the World Has Abandoned Daylight Saving Time. Why Not Us?
“The world has moved away from it due to the fact that it is useless in many ways,” says New Mexico State University professor Jagdish Khubchandani.
As many nations reconsider the practice of “spring forward, fall back,” the United States finds itself increasingly out of step with global trends. According to a 2023 analysis, roughly one-third of countries still observe daylight saving time, a significant drop from almost half before 2023.
A Growing Consensus on the Downsides
Updated: 2:54 PM MDT Mar 9, 2026
The shift away from daylight saving time is driven by growing concerns about its impact on health, safety, and the economy. Experts, including Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of public health at New Mexico State University, point to disruptions in sleep schedules, increased risk of heart disease, and a potential rise in accidents as key drawbacks.
Khubchandani notes that the working class is particularly vulnerable to these effects, as they often face greater challenges in adjusting their routines and may have to compromise on sleep.
The trend is global. Over the past decade, Azerbaijan, Iran, Jordan, Namibia, Russia, Samoa, Syria, Turkey, Uruguay, and most of Mexico have all ended the practice. Within the U.S., Hawaii and Arizona already forgo the time change, as do several U.S. Territories.
“The world has moved away from this concept because it has been found to be useless in a number of ways,” Khubchandani stated. “If Asia and Africa have walked away from this practice, why are we still continuing with this?”
Even as there has been discussion at the federal level – including indications from former President Trump and subsequent reconsideration – a nationwide change has yet to materialize.
Khubchandani suggests proactive steps individuals can take to mitigate the effects of the time change: “Start your days early, eat healthy food, stay hydrated, exercise… people demand to start looking at calendars and adjusting their lives in a way that they won’t feel disruption.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is daylight saving time? It’s the practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that darkness falls later each day.
- Why are some places abolishing it? Concerns about health, safety, and economic impacts are driving the change.
- What are the health risks associated with daylight saving time? Disruptions to sleep schedules, increased risk of heart disease, and potential for more accidents.
- What can I do to adjust to the time change? Prioritize sleep, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and exercise.
Pro Tip: Adjust your sleep schedule gradually in the days leading up to the time change to minimize disruption.
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