The perennial debate over daylight saving time is gaining momentum as the majority of the United States gears up to "fall back" early Sunday, turning back the clock from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. While many Americans support eliminating the time change, concerns are rising about the potential health effects associated with this biannual ritual.

According to recent polls, a majority of Americans favor the elimination of daylight saving time, a sentiment echoed by the American Medical Association. Dr. Alok Patel of Stanford Medicine Children's Health explains that any change impacting sleep patterns can have detrimental effects over time. Sleep deprivation can lead to mood disorders, loss of focus, impaired judgment, and even long-term health issues such as changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, highlights the potential health risks associated with the time change. Notably, chronic sleep deprivation can increase stress hormones that elevate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as chemicals that trigger inflammation. Even a one-hour shift in sleep patterns can disrupt sleep quantity and quality, affecting an individual's ability to multitask, stay alert, and maintain balance, thus increasing the risk of accidents.

"While 'falling back' and gaining an extra hour of sleep is generally easier on the body, people should be cautious about their driving habits in the afternoon when it's darker earlier," warns Zee. With the earlier onset of darkness, individuals may experience drowsiness, potentially compromising their driving safety.

It is also worth noting that some regions, such as Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and most of Arizona, do not observe daylight saving time, further contributing to the ongoing debate over its effectiveness and necessity.

In response to growing concerns, some members of Congress are advocating for permanent daylight saving time, aiming to put an end to the back-and-forth time changes. Reform efforts are underway, with proponents arguing that a standardized time system could alleviate the negative health impacts associated with these biannual transitions.

As Americans prepare to adjust their clocks, the debate surrounding the pros and cons of daylight saving time continues to divide opinions. The potential health effects and safety risks associated with the time change provide compelling arguments for further examination and potential reform.