I’m not a fan of U.S. Daylight Savings Time (DST). So at the risk of sounding negative from the onset, like many things we all have to deal with in life, this is just another one for me.
One reason is how I’m affected physiologically, like (many others) having disruptive sleeping patterns, disorientation, mood, ect. especially in the winter, getting dark early with days being shorter. It’s like living in another time zone.
Some are not bothered by it at all, and to you I give a sincere salute. I was compelled to do a little research on it, just to satisfy my own curiosity.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) I was surprised to find that it was introduced during World War I in 1918 as a way to conserve energy by extending evening daylight hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting. It was temporarily abolished after the war but reinstated during World War II for similar energy-saving purposes.
After the war, (DST) wasn’t observed across states and cities until the Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized it nationwide, even though states could opt out. Over the years, the start and end dates have changed, with the most recent adjustment coming from the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which extended (DST) to begin from the second Sunday in March extending to the first Sunday in November.
In all fairness, it was only fitting to weigh both the pro’s and con’s of (DST) beyond opinion and preference.
THE PROS SAY:
- Energy Conservation – Originally, it was intended to reduce electricity use by decreasing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. However, modern studies have shown mixed results on whether this is still effective. This is the problem with not revisiting to see if things are still beneficial or advantageous for the current times.
- More Daylight in the Evening –was believed that longer daylight hours in the evenings could contribute to outdoor activities, businesses, and retail sale opportunities.
- Reduced Traffic Accidents – Some research suggests that (DST) reduces car accidents by increasing visibility during the busiest driving hours.
- Boost to the Economy & Recreation – Businesses that rely on evening activities, such as restaurants and sporting events, claim to see an increase in activity during (DST).
THE CONS SAY:
- Health Disruptions – The abrupt shift in time can cause sleep disturbances, increase stress, and affect the body’s circadian rhythm. (the natural 24 hour cycles of physical, mental, and behavioral changes that occur in the life of humans.)
- Increased Risk of Heart Attacks & Strokes – Studies show that the transition to (DST) is linked to a spike in heart attacks and strokes, particularly in the days following the time change.
- Higher Workplace & Road Accidents – The loss of an hour of sleep in the spring can lead to reduced alertness, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Inconvenience & Confusion – The time change can disrupt daily routines, especially for businesses and travelers.
So, as you can see, there continues to be ongoing debate, legislative opinion, surrounding the future of DST in the United States, no definitive changes have been enacted at the federal level. The nation continues to observe the traditional biannual time changes.
“Ahhhh-hhaaaaaa” Oh well, wake me up when they sort it all out… will ya?
anablepsis.