Sunshine Protection Act misses the mark for our health

In this op-ed for The Daily Item, Dr. Morse writes about the potential health effects of the proposed Sunshine Protection Act.

The Sunshine Protection Act would end the twice-annual changing of our clocks and, according to supporters, would advocate brighter afternoons, more economic activity and allow children to play outdoors later. However, DST increases sleep deprivation, causing on average 19 minutes of sleep loss per day, and increases health risks associated with heart attack and strokes. In fact, changing to DST results in a nationwide 8% increase in strokes in the first two days of the spring change and 5% more heart attacks after the change.