What could permanent Daylight Saving mean for seniors?

For older Albertans who like to get an early start to the day, winter mornings could soon become even darker. Alberta is moving to permanent daylight saving time on November 1, 2026, ending the twice-yearly clock change in spring and fall.

The change means more daylight in the evening during the winter months. But it also means the sun will rise later, with Calgary expected to experience December sunrises after 9:30 a.m.

For Dr. Michael Antle, a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary, that raises questions about how the policy could affect Albertans’ health.

Antle has spent 30 years studying circadian rhythms, the internal clocks in our brains that help regulate sleep, waking, hormone secretion and other bodily functions. He says the relationship between our biological clocks and the natural light-dark cycle is fundamental to our well-being.

“Our body clock follows the sun,” Antle explains.

Unlike a clock on a microwave or smartphone, our internal clock cannot simply be reset at the push of a button. It relies heavily on environmental cues, particularly morning light, to stay synchronized with the day.

And in Alberta, Antle says, the timing of that morning light is especially important.

Why age matters

Our sleep patterns change throughout our lives. Young children tend to be early risers, teenagers often become night owls, and adults tend to shift back toward becoming morning people as they age.

Antle says this change is linked to how our circadian clocks function over time.

“As you get older, your clock speeds up a little bit, and you become more of a morning lark,” he says.

For some older adults, waking early is already part of everyday life. They may prefer to walk in the morning, run errands before lunch or schedule appointments early in the day.

But being naturally inclined to wake early does not necessarily make darker mornings easier to manage.

Antle says permanent daylight saving time asks people to follow a social schedule that is less aligned with the natural light cycle. As winter progresses and sunrise occurs later, that mismatch could become more difficult.

“The 8 AM shift is going to feel like a 7 AM shift for us,” he says, describing the challenge of adjusting to a schedule that runs ahead of the body’s natural timing.

Older adults with flexible schedules may find the change easier than those who must get up at a set time for work, caregiving or appointments.

Antle acknowledges, however, that there is limited research on how permanent daylight saving time would affect older adults specifically. The possible impacts are concerns to investigate, not established outcomes for every senior.

The importance of the body clock

Circadian rhythms influence much more than when we feel sleepy.

They help coordinate a range of biological processes, including hormone release, appetite and physical activity. Sleep, diet and exercise are closely connected to overall health, and Antle says the body’s internal clock plays a role in all three.

When our natural rhythms and daily schedules become significantly misaligned, the result is sometimes called “social jet lag.”

It is similar to the feeling of being out of sync after travelling across time zones, except that the mismatch comes from the gap between our biological timing and our everyday obligations.

Antle warns that persistent disruption can affect physical and mental health. He points to research comparing sunrise and sunset times across time zones, which has found associations between later solar timing and poorer health outcomes, including reduced sleep and higher rates of certain chronic conditions.

These studies do not prove that Alberta’s new policy will cause the same outcomes. But Antle believes the findings show why daylight, sleep and health should be part of the conversation when we set the time.

He also cautions that sleep problems and cognitive decline can be difficult to disentangle in older adults. Sleep disturbances sometimes occur alongside the early signs of dementia, while poor sleep may also worsen cognitive difficulties.

That’s why it’s important not to assume that every sleep change has a single cause.

Alberta’s northern latitude

Antle argues that Alberta’s northern location sets the province apart from many other jurisdictions considering permanent daylight saving time.

As the days shorten, the sun rises later and the window of natural daylight gets smaller. Keeping daylight saving time throughout the winter would push sunrise later still.

In Calgary, Antle says, sunrise will occur after 9:30 a.m. throughout December. In Edmonton, it will approach 10 a.m., while Grande Prairie could see sunrise closer to 10:30 a.m.

For someone who wants to be outside early, that can mean beginning the day in darkness.

It may also affect people who walk to appointments, wait for transit or drive during the morning commute. Antle notes that pedestrian visibility is a concern when more people are travelling in darkness.

His advice is practical: avoid dark clothing that blends into the surroundings and consider clothing or accessories with reflective material.

“Make sure you’re not wearing all black,” he says. “Wear something with reflective tape so people can see you.”

Older adults already have to take extra care on icy sidewalks and at busy crossings, so being seen is an important part of staying safe this winter.

What can older Albertans do?

Individuals cannot control when the sun rises, but Antle says there are steps they can take to support their body’s natural rhythms.

One of his main recommendations is consistency.

“Try to wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time every day,” he says.

A regular sleep schedule can provide stability, even when the amount of daylight changes. Antle also encourages people to listen to their bodies and, when their schedules allow, avoid forcing themselves to wake earlier than necessary.

Natural light is another important tool.

“See as much daylight as possible,” he says.

Opening the curtains, spending time near a bright window and going outside for a walk can help people get the light their internal clocks need. Antle emphasizes that daylight outdoors is much brighter than typical indoor lighting, even when the weather is cloudy.

For older adults who enjoy morning walks, that may mean waiting until there is enough light to see clearly. Reflective clothing, well-lit routes and extra caution around traffic can also reduce risks.

Anyone with persistent sleep problems should talk to a health professional rather than assume the change in time is the only explanation.

A policy that needs monitoring

Antle believes permanent standard time would have been a better choice for Alberta, given the province’s latitude and the importance of morning light to the body’s internal clock. He points to the UK and Russia, both of which tried permanent daylight saving time and reversed course.

“The United Kingdom tried in 1968 and Russia tried it in 2012 so places have tried this and they’ve always regretted it. So the UK and the United States went back to changing twice a year and Russia switched to permanent standard time.

“You think that extra hour of daylight in the winter time is going to make all the difference but it doesn’t and when people actually experience what it’s like to have that 9:30am sunrise they realize this isn’t what we thought we were getting into. It hasn’t lasted,” Antle explained.

He also argues that the effects of the new policy should be monitored carefully.

Some possible changes, such as accidents, emergency department visits or increased demand for mental health services, may be easier to track in the short term. Other health outcomes, including chronic conditions, may take longer to emerge and are influenced by many factors.

Antle says the government should follow through on its commitment to monitor the change and adjust if necessary.

The Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR), an international body of chronobiologists, has published its own position paper on the subject. It concludes that across large populations, permanent standard time has greater advantages than either switching annually or adopting permanent daylight saving time.

For older Albertans, this winter is a chance to notice how the new schedule affects their own lives. Are they sleeping as well? Are they feeling alert in the morning? Is it harder to get outside or carry out their usual routines?

The answers will not be the same for everyone. Individual sleep patterns, work schedules, health and daily responsibilities all play a role.

But the underlying issue affects people at every age: our bodies have their own timing, and natural light helps keep that timing on track.

Alberta is about to try year-round daylight saving time, and the debate goes beyond whether people like brighter evenings. A province-wide decision will interact with the biological rhythms that help us sleep, stay active and stay healthy.

For older adults in particular, it may help to pay attention to those rhythms and protect chances for good sleep and natural daylight.

Watch the story on Unison TV.