Americans Prefer Fixed Time, Split on Choice

**Americans Overwhelmingly Tired of Clock Changes, But Divided on Permanent Time Solution**

**[CITY, STATE] – March 7, 2024** – As the nation braces for the annual “spring forward” ritual this Sunday, March 10, a new national poll confirms what many have long suspected: a significant majority of Americans are ready to retire the practice of changing clocks twice a year. A recent AP-NORC poll, conducted from February 22nd to 26th, 2024, surveyed 1,282 adults across the U.S., revealing that 62% of people would prefer not to switch their clocks, opting instead for a single, fixed time year-round.

While the desire for consistency is clear, the survey highlights a growing division over *which* fixed time should prevail. Approximately 40% of respondents expressed a preference for making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent, which would extend evening daylight throughout the year. This marks a notable dip from 2022, when 49% supported permanent DST. Conversely, support for permanent standard time, meaning brighter mornings, has seen an uptick, now favored by 30% of Americans, up from 23% in 2022. Only 28% of those surveyed wish to continue the biannual “spring forward, fall back” routine.

Geographic and age demographics play a significant role in these preferences. Residents in the Northeast, for instance, tend to lean towards permanent standard time, valuing the brighter mornings. Southerners, however, are more inclined toward permanent Daylight Saving Time, likely appreciating the extended evening light. Age also shapes opinions: older adults, particularly those 65 and up, largely prefer permanent standard time (around 46%), while younger adults aged 18 to 34 are strong advocates for permanent DST (48% support).

The rationale behind the widespread fatigue with time changes is often rooted in the disruptive impacts of the “spring forward” transition. The abrupt loss of an hour’s sleep is not just an inconvenience; studies have linked it to a measurable increase in adverse health events, including heart attacks, strokes, and even car accidents in the days immediately following the shift. Beyond these severe outcomes, many experience general sleep disruption, fatigue, and potential impacts on mental well-being as their circadian rhythms struggle to adjust. While the “fall back” often brings an extra hour of sleep, the overall inconsistency is seen by many as detrimental.

The push to end clock changes has been significant at the state level. Since 2018, at least 30 states have proposed legislation to stop the practice, and 19 states have actually passed laws or resolutions to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round – *if* the federal government allows it. States like Florida and California have been prominent in this movement. Currently, federal law permits states to switch to permanent standard time if they wish, which is why Arizona (with some exceptions) and Hawaii, along with U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, already observe standard time year-round.

For permanent Daylight Saving Time to become a nationwide reality, however, action is required at the federal level. In March 2022, the Senate unanimously passed the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which aimed to make DST permanent across the country. Despite bipartisan support in the Senate, the bill never made it through the House of Representatives, stalling before it could become law. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the same bill in March 2023, but it has seen little progress since.

Advocates for permanent Daylight Saving Time emphasize the benefits of extended daylight for evening activities, potentially boosting local economies through increased retail sales, restaurant patronage, and tourism. They also cite arguments about energy conservation (though this is debated) and potentially reduced crime rates. Conversely, proponents of permanent standard time argue for better alignment with human biology and circadian rhythms, which they say can improve overall public health and sleep quality. They also raise concerns about child safety, particularly in northern states, where permanent DST would mean children waiting for school buses in complete darkness during winter mornings.

As residents prepare to adjust their clocks yet again this weekend, the national conversation continues, reflecting a deep-seated desire for an end to the twice-yearly ritual and a growing urgency for policymakers to find a lasting solution.