INDIANAPOLIS — A bill passed this week in the U.S. Senate would make Daylight Saving Time permanent.
It's been a popular debate in Indiana, but some health experts have concerns.
"The time in which we're making that transition from standard time and daylight saving time, we generally observe a number of medical and psychiatric conditions," Dr. Alon Avidan, a professor in the UCLA Department of Neurology, said.
Dr. Avidan says issues that arise when springing forward include doctors making more medical mistakes, more deadly heart issues and an increased risk of depression and suicide. He says for some, those issues don't go away for as long as daylight saving time occurs.
Other experts, like David Reich with the National Road and Safety Foundation, say because we lose an hour of sleep and it's darker in the morning, there could be an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes.
If the law were in effect for Christmas 2022, the sun wouldn't rise until 9:04 a.m. If passed and signed by President Joe Biden, the new law would take effect in November 2023 to give time for industries to adjust.
"We need more data, and because we don't have data, I don't think you can make legislation that is very rigid," Dr. Avidan said.
Currently, Arizona and Hawaii are the only two states that don't observe Daylight Saving Time.
-
Crossing the finish line: Preparing for the 15th annual Carmel Marathon
Jennifer Joyce runs despite Parkinson’s, while Stephanie Thomas trains with her daughter by her side, both racing for more than a finish line.Local artist beautifying neighborhoods with murals
You can find Megan Jefferson's murals in almost every Indianapolis neighborhood on people’s garages, homes, and fences.Noblesville Boom: Indiana Pacers' G League Team Gets Rebrand
Wednesday morning, the Indiana Pacers' G League affiliate unveiled their new name and logo. Formerly known as the Indiana Mad Ants, the team will now be called the Noblesville Boom.Dates set for Pacers v. Bucks First Round Playoffs
The Pacers host the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening best-of-7 series. Game one will be on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse starting at 1 p.m.