B.C. may be on its way to permanent daylight savings, but researchers warn that if we do, there may be some health risks.
With the change, the sun won’t rise until after 9 am for an entire month in Vancouver. Meanwhile people in other parts of B.C. won’t see it until after 10 am.
RELATED: City of Surrey Introduces New Real-Time Road Information Signs For Drivers
Researchers who study sleep and neuroscience say there are serious risks that may come from a lack of sun.
“It’s a pity that a decision like that is being made without looking at the science,” said Myriam Juda to CBC.
Juda is a researcher at Simon Fraser University’s Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Lab, and one of six researchers who wrote an open letter to the province.
The lack of sun, the letter explains, means less well-rested sleeps and the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Not to mention the loss of Vitamin D, which affects our mood.
Premier John Horgan introduced the bill to keep daylight savings time, after a popular survey was in favour of it by 93%.
That means, we will change their clocks one more time in the spring, and then stick to that time permanently.
Daylight Savings Doesn’t Have to Come With Health Risks
Researchers are not saying we need to stick to our regular system though. It’s simply better to stick to standard time (the one we have during winter).
That’s because it more closely matches with solar time and our bodies sync with that more than the clock, Juda explained.
“Our mental health will be better under permanent standard time than permanent daylight saving time. There would be less fatigue,” Juda said to CBC.
However, Cabinet members said they are going ahead with the changes regardless.
For more (time-related) news, consider whether Greta Thunberg has a doppleganger or if she’s a time traveler.
To see other B.C. news, check out our News section.
[sjnow-ad-large-leaderboard]
