Daylight saving time vs standard time: what if one was permanent?

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Sunday morning our clocks fall back as daylight saving time ends and standard time begins.

The debate between daylight saving time and standard time is very opinionated, and there has been little done to address this issue.

There are pros and cons to each time, but health experts indicate standard time is more aligned with our internal clock.

There would be significant adjustments to the sunrise and sunset times if we were to stay on one of the times permanently.

Standard time beginning on Sunday adjusts the sunrise and sunset times earlier by an hour.

Today the sunrise is 8:17 AM and the sunset is 6:38 PM.

By Sunday, the sunrise gets earlier at 7:20 AM but we see darkness earlier in the evening as well with the sunset being 5:36 PM.

Now, what if daylight saving time was ruled to be permanent. This would alter the wintertime months, especially from November to March when we are usually on standard time.

To examine the most extreme case, we took a glance at the winter solstice. On December 21st, which is the day with the least amount of daylight.

If daylight saving time was year-round, the sunrise on the winter solstice would be very late in the morning at 9:08 AM. 

The sunset in the winter months would be later though, being at 6:17 PM instead of 5:17 PM like it currently is on standard time.

Our evenings in the winter would feel brighter longer, but the mornings would be very dark for an extended period of time, well past the start of the school day for many.

Looking at the other argument for a permanent standard time, which is preferred by health experts, that would impact summer months.

Mid-March to early November is typically daylight saving time, but if standard time was permanent, it would alter our typical summer day.

To examine the most extreme case, we took a look at the summer solstice. On June 21st, which is the longest day of the year with the shortest amount of nighttime.

If standard time was year-round, the sunrise on the summer solstice would be very early in South Bend at 5:10 AM. 

People on central time, like LaPorte, would have a sunrise during June at 4:10 AM.

The sunset would be earlier in the summer on permanent standard time.

In South Bend, the sunset would be 8:23 PM instead of the current 9:23 PM on June 21st with daylight saving time.

Regardless of what time you prefer to be on, all of our clocks will fall back an hour early Sunday morning.

Daylight saving time will return Sunday, March 9, 2025.