“Gutfeld!”: Make daylight saving time permanent
Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of the Federalist, along with comedian Joe Machi, is actively advocating for the permanence of daylight saving time. In a light-hearted manner, Davis remarked that “mornings are stupid,” expressing his desire for more afternoon sunlight, which he believes is better for those awake at that hour. He also pointed out that kids tend to be safer and enjoy their after-school activities more when it’s still light out in the evenings.
Interestingly, spending additional time in bright daylight might actually aid people in falling asleep quicker and improving the quality of their sleep at night, as suggested by a recent study.
Research from the University of Manchester indicates that adults who experience brighter, more consistent daylight typically fall asleep and wake up earlier while enjoying a deeper slumber during the initial part of the night. These findings, published in the journal NPJ Biological Timing and Sleep, stem from over 500 days of data collected from 89 adults equipped with light sensors and sleep trackers who maintained sleep diaries.
Participants exposed to abundant sunlight generally fell asleep sooner than those who weren’t. This study adds to the understanding that consistent light exposure during the day correlates with healthier sleep patterns.
Dr. Jennifer Martin, a clinical psychologist and professor at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine, affirmed that these results align with existing sleep science. She mentioned that light influences sleep through pathways that commence in the eyes, signaling to the brain that it’s time to be awake and alert.
“When light strikes specific retinal cells, it alerts the brain, indicating it’s daytime,” she noted. Martin emphasized the advantages of morning light, recommending that individuals spend time outside early in the day when possible.
She explained, “Regular exposure to sunlight in the morning fortifies your sleep-wake cycle, essentially helping you to feel drowsy at consistent times each night, which promotes strong sleep habits.”
Moreover, she advocated for limiting bright light exposure in the evening to enhance sleep quality. Martin suggested avoiding bright light in the hours leading up to bedtime and sticking to a regular wake-up routine. Any drastic change in wake-up times, she cautioned, could leave one feeling somewhat “jet-lagged,” which isn’t ideal for a good night’s rest.
Though the study’s results indicate that daylight exposure during the daytime might lead to better sleep, researchers did acknowledge some limitations. They clarified that while a correlation between light exposure and sleep patterns exists, it doesn’t imply a direct causation. Furthermore, they utilized wrist-worn devices to measure light exposure instead of a method directly affecting the body’s internal clock via the eyes, and didn’t factor in other influences like physical activities or meal timings that could also play a role in sleep quality.
