Why Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy Want to End Daylight Saving Time—and Why Permanent Standard Time is Healthier

Each year, millions of Americans groan at the prospect of resetting their clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). The twice-yearly tradition of “springing forward” and “falling back” disrupts sleep schedules, upends routines, and sends circadian rhythms into chaos. It’s no surprise that 7 in 10 Americans would rather ditch DST altogether.

Now, prominent voices like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are joining the push to end DST, advocating instead for Permanent Standard Time—a change that experts say could improve public health, productivity, and overall well-being.

DST: A Relic of Wartime Energy Policies

Daylight Saving Time didn’t originate as a health-conscious policy—it was an energy-saving strategy during World War I. Though often misattributed to Benjamin Franklin, the concept gained traction in the early 20th century when Germany adopted DST to conserve coal. The U.S. followed suit in 1918, but the policy sparked backlash, especially from farmers, who relied on the sun, not clocks, to dictate their schedules.

DST returned briefly during World War II but was abandoned after 1945, leaving states to choose whether to observe it. The resulting chaos ended in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act, which standardized DST nationwide. In 2007, DST was extended by four weeks under the Energy Policy Act of 2005—but the promised energy savings have proven negligible in modern times.

Why Musk and Ramaswamy Are Advocating for Permanent Standard Time

Elon Musk, has expressed disdain for the biannual time change. On multiple occasions, he’s highlighted how DST disrupts sleep patterns and lowers efficiency—a clear enemy for someone building the future of space travel and AI.

Vivek Ramaswamy, entrepreneur and political figure, has also championed the move to Permanent Standard Time, framing it as a pro-health, pro-science policy. Citing the overwhelming public support and expert recommendations, Ramaswamy argues that the clock changes are an unnecessary burden on Americans

Both figures point to the mounting evidence that aligns with their stance. In 2020, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine declared that Permanent Standard Time is better for human circadian biology, noting it aligns more closely with our natural light-dark cycle, which governs sleep, hormones, and overall health.

How Permanent Standard Time Benefits Health

Circadian rhythms thrive on consistency. Disrupting them—even by an hour—can lead to poor sleep, fatigue, and long-term health risks, including cardiovascular issues and depression. When we spring forward, our bodies are forced to wake up in darkness, which increases grogginess and lowers productivity. Conversely, Permanent Standard Time ensures morning light exposure, which strengthens circadian alignment, promotes better sleep, and enhances mental alertness.

Additionally, DST doesn’t deliver on its original promise. Research shows that extending daylight into the evening increases energy consumption through air conditioning and recreational travel. “Daylight Saving is a loser as an energy plan,” said Michael Downing, author of Spring Forward, “but it’s a fantastic retail spending plan.”

The Road Ahead

As more Americans voice support for eliminating DST, the movement for Permanent Standard Time is gaining momentum. Whether through advocacy by influential figures like Musk and Ramaswamy or bipartisan legislative efforts, a future free from clock changes could soon become reality.

So, while the tradition of DST may have made sense in the early 20th century, today it’s little more than an outdated inconvenience. Permanent Standard Time isn’t just better for our health—it’s better for the way we live, work, and sleep.

It’s about time for a change.