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Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM@sleepdocshelbyInstagram

This sucks. Permanent DST is terrible for our biology. We’re going to have more trouble in the mornings when

… more

what it claims

Establishing permanent daylight saving time is harmful to our biology because it would delay the arrival of morning light, thereby disrupting our circadian rhythms, particularly in adolescents.

holds up

The scientific consensus broadly supports this position, noting that our internal clocks are synchronized by natural morning light.

noli's read

The scientific consensus broadly supports this position, noting that our internal clocks are synchronized by natural morning light. Organizations such as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) have published official position statements (expert opinions/literature reviews) recommending permanent standard time rather than daylight saving time, as the latter shifts light exposure, which can exacerbate 'social jetlag.' Observational studies show that the misalignment between social time and solar time is associated with sleep disturbances and increased metabolic risks. The assertion regarding adolescents is corroborated by research on the natural phase shift of puberty, making early awakening under daylight saving time already difficult. This is not an exaggeration, but a consistent application of the principles of chronobiology. However, the actual impact depends on geographic latitude, which makes the effect variable by region.

the sources

Claimed by Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 18, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence: A-

Effect: circadian phase / melatonin timing — morning light advances; evening light delays
Measured on: reviews + expert consensus

Core circadian physiology is very well established; specific lux targets less so.

Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM in the Register48 claims graded · solidity 96/100See their record →

More from Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM

Switching permanently to daylight saving time is biologically harmful because it causes sunrise to occur too late in winter, which disrupts the circadian rhythm.

holds upShelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM

Frequent middle-of-the-night awakenings with an inability to fall back asleep are not insignificant; they often reveal underlying imbalances such as daily tension or nocturnal breathing disturbances that are essential to identify rather than ignore.

holds upShelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM

If you spend a lot of time tossing and turning in bed despite a regular routine, delay your bedtime to reduce frustrating wakefulness and consolidate your sleep.

holds upShelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM

Others on this

Needlessly delaying bedtime ("bedtime procrastination") is framed here as coming from not having processed the day's emotions — working through them before bed supposedly helps you fall asleep.

not provenhealingwithchloe1

Sleep isn't dead time for your muscles — muscle protein synthesis keeps repairing and rebuilding tissue damaged during the day while you're out.

holds upDavid Abbasi, MD

If you run hot at night, cooling the bed down (a fan, a cooling pad, or a cooled mattress) genuinely helps you sleep better.

holds upclaracoletta

Noli has read similar claims

Other advice in the Register that leans on the same research.

To dispel the feeling of being exhausted but overstimulated at bedtime, adopt a regular and relaxing sleep routine (low light, calm sounds, no screens) coupled with a progressive light alarm.

holds upDoctor Mike

Fix light, timing, temperature, and routine (sleep hygiene) before adding supplements or medication; he also recommends wearing blue-light-blocking glasses in the evening.

mixedThomas Paloschi MD

The quality of your sleep, the time you fall asleep, and your state upon waking are primarily determined by exposure to sunlight before 10 a.m. over the preceding 2 to 3 days.

holds upAndrew Huberman, Ph.D.

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