Among the critics is Jamie Zeitzer, a professor in Stanford University’s department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, whose research was cited by the B.C. government in its news release announcing the change.

Zeitzer says it was “kind of weird” to see his work used that way.

“It’s scientifically not a good idea, and in terms of health, I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that kind of switch,” he said.

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None of the scientists interviewed by CBC said they were aware of peer-reviewed health research supporting a switch to permanent daylight saving time.

However, Zeitzer said his team’s research also suggests ending the twice-yearly clock changes is better than keeping them. He said the spring time change — but not the fall one — is associated with higher rates of heart attacks and car crashes as people adjust to less sleep after moving their clock forward an hour.

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But British Columbians were offered only two choices: Keep changing the clocks or switch to permanent daylight saving time. Other options — such as permanent standard time — were not considered.

“That’s not really a valid choice,” Zeitzer said. “It’s like saying … am I doing a great job as a teacher or a fantastic job as a teacher?”

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Zeitzer said there may be economic reasons that some favour daylight saving time, including longer, lighter evenings.

“People will go play golf, and they’ll go shopping and dining, and otherwise they wouldn’t do that if it was already dark out. And frankly, if the argument is that that is going to make wealthy people wealthier, I don’t think that impacts health,” he said.