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In California You Could Be Switching Your Clocks For The Last Time

If California Assemblyman Kansen Chu (D-San Jose) has his way you won't need to keep switching your clocks back and forth one hour in observance of Daylight Saving Time.

Chu continues his work on Assembly Bill 7, which he says will eliminate the biannual clock change in California and set the state on Daylight Saving Time year-round, pending federal authorization. Chu's effort comes in after 60 percent of voters supported Proposition 7, which authorized the state's Legislature to consider eliminating the clock change if two-thirds of the lawmakers approve, and Governor Gavin Newsom signs the bill.

"As we get ready to change our clocks and lose one hour of sleep on Sunday, we must be wary of the negative health effects of this practice," said Chu. "Countless studies show the sleep loss alone causes tragic accidents on the road and in the workplace. In the wake of the convincing support of Proposition 7, it is clear that voters want to do away with the biannual clock change."

Sleep specialist Dr. Ofer Jacobowitz says you can catch up on the hour sleep you'll lose in small doses. "Take short naps if needed during the day, and the body will slowly adjust to it over the follwing week," he says.

Dr. Jacobowitz also says spending more time exposed to daylight, will help you adjust to the time change because it helps adjust your awake and sleep cycle. He adds getting enough sleep is critical to having good overall health.

Chu also notes that California is not the only state considering the elimination of the Daylight Saving Time practice. "At least 28 states have introduced related legislation this year," he says. "(That puts) pressure on the federal government to act. The time is now."

Federal authorization will also be required before California can make any Daylight Saving Time related changes. Senator Marco Rubio has filed federal Senate Bill 670 to place the entire country on daylight saving time year-round. Track that bill by clicking here.

No time change is observed in Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Standard time returns November 3rd.


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