NEW YORK (AP) — This weekend, millions of Americans will set their clocks back one hour as daylight saving time comes to an end. But while many might welcome the extra hour of sleep, a new AP-NORC poll reveals that this time shift is one of the most disliked traditions on the American calendar.
Only 12% of U.S. adults support the current daylight saving time system, with nearly half opposing it and a significant number expressing indifference. As the transition back to standard time takes effect at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, many are questioning the need for twice-yearly clock changes.
Pranava Jayanti, a 31-year-old resident of Los Angeles, shares his frustration with the switch. Having grown up in India where clocks are consistent year-round, he found the sudden darkness of late afternoons disorienting when he moved to the U.S. for school.
Calls to abolish the time changes have gained momentum. Efforts were made to create legislation for permanent daylight saving time, which was halted after gaining Senate approval in 2022. Organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have voiced their support for a stable time structure.
Around half of American adults now favor making daylight saving time permanent. According to the poll, sentiments vary among different age groups. Many who consider themselves 'night people' are most likely to support the switch. In contrast, preferences are split more evenly among those who identify as 'morning people.'
Despite the ongoing debate, switching the clocks is deeply ingrained in American culture. The first instances of this practice date back over a century, with attempts to maintain a consistent time structure failing due to public pushback. Observers note that balancing morning sunlight with evening light remains a complex issue.
Sanders reported from Washington, and the AP-NORC poll surveyed 1,289 U.S. adults between October 9-13, with a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.
