Spring Forward Year-Round?

 By Cal Orey, M.A.

News Flash: daylight saving time may become year-round—and yes, it can affect your health!

For years, I was a fan of the "Great White North," chasing the crisp air of Alaska and Canada. I fancied myself a creature of the big chill, swaddled in layers and shunning the sun. As a lacto-vegetarian who avoided fish, I was living in a self-imposed unhealthy eclipse. The irony of my "healthy" lifestyle was revealed by a lab report. My blood work arrived like a cold front, showing vitamin D levels that were subterranean. I swapped vegetable plates for salmon and turned my body toward the sun with gardening and savoring the outdoors. Months later, the needle moved; my blood work finally reflected a body in balance.

As the clocks jumped forward and we transitioned out of the winter doldrums, Vitamin D—known as the "sunshine vitamin"—is a spark plug for your health. Meanwhile, there is news that daylight saving time (DST) may go year-round! Here’s some health reasons why that can be a good thing.

Enjoy the Happy Booster: Vitamin D helps regulate serotonin, the “happy” brain chemical. As we gain more light, maintaining higher Vitamin D levels helps beat "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD) and provides your "get-up-and-go" energy. Pre-spring/summer is often peak time for lingering respiratory woes and colds during shoulder season in regions like Tahoe. Vitamin D comes to the rescue to enhance your immune defense—and decreases inflammation and odds of catching pesky viruses.

Soak up the Sun: The most natural way to "recharge" is through UVB radiation. When sunlight hits the skin, you get Vitamin D3. Experts recommend up to 30 minutes of sun exposure on the face, arms, or back at least twice a week between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Get Vitamin-D Superfoods: Here are foods for Vitamin D: Salmon: It acts like “Super Glue” to keep your bones strong and heart healthy. Egg Yolks: They provide a brain and body booster to rev up your mood. Fortified OJ, Milk, and Whole Grain Cereal: These edibles contain plenty of Vitamin D, helping you reach your Daily Value by utilizing D2 or D3 to ensure metabolic needs are met.

So, getting a daily dose of sunshine and eating more Vitamin-D rich foods, say health experts, are good news for better health. I discovered that while Alaska is a fine place to visit, Tahoe sunshine (and savoring fish plus) is my happy place. (Adapted from the Healing Powers series).

 Will the U.S. Adopt Permanent DST?

The question of whether the United States will adopt permanent daylight saving time (DST) remains a subject of legislative debate. But the two states that do honor keeping the clocks steady are Arizona and Hawaii. The current system of biannual shifting is given a thumbs down by health experts, who argue that the transition disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep, metabolism, and immune function. So, what is a nature-lover’s take on the change year-round?

·       More "Golden Hour" Playtime: If we locked in more evening light, you’d have an extra hour of daylight after work to hit the slopes, mountain bike, or just enjoy a sunset beer on the porch without rushing before dark.

·       Syncing with the Peaks: Proponents of permanent time argue that staying in one lane—whether standard or daylight—is better for the planet and our bodies than the current "waffling" that confuses our internal clocks. 

·       Super Productivity: With a consistent schedule, your body can settle into a groove, helping you feel more energized and motivated to tackle those big Sierra adventures.

While the debate continues between those who want more morning light (Standard Time) and those who want more evening light, the consensus among sleep scientists is that picking one and sticking to it is the healthiest path forward for everyone.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series. The new, revised 2nd ed. The Healing Powers of Honey (a summer release), and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, 3^rd ed. is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com