What Is the Point of Daylight Saving Time?

Learn about the intriguing history of daylight saving time, from its beginnings with Benjamin Franklin to its present enactment.

The History of Daylight Saving Time

During World War I, daylight saving time was first officially used. Many countries, like Germany and the United Kingdom, have implemented daylight saving time to save energy and make better use of daylight hours. During the summer, the clock would be advanced by one hour to allow people to use natural daylight better. This practice was viewed as conserving fuel and reducing the need for artificial lights. While the establishment of daylight saving time during the war was initially received with opposition and scepticism, it quickly became more universally accepted and adopted by other countries throughout the world.

The Pros and Cons of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time aims to use natural daylight better and save energy. However, DST has pros and cons and opinions on its effectiveness vary.

The Pros of Daylight Saving Time

1. Energy Savings - One of the primary reasons for DST is to save energy, particularly electricity. When shifting an hour of daylight from evening to morning, it's believed that people use less artificial lighting and heating, which can result in energy conservation.
2. Extended Evening Daylight - DST extends the amount of daylight available in the evening, allowing people to engage in outdoor activities, shop, and dine out for longer. This can have positive economic effects on businesses like retail and hospitality.
3. Improved Mood and Mental Health. Longer daylight hours during the evening may improve people's mood and mental health, as it provides more opportunities for outdoor activities and exposure to natural light.
4. Reduction in Traffic Accidents - Some studies suggest that DST can reduce traffic accidents because more driving occurs in daylight. Improved visibility can contribute to safer road conditions.
5. Conservation of Natural Resources - Reducing energy consumption during DST can contribute to the conservation of natural resources and a reduction in carbon emissions.

The Cons of Daylight Saving Time

1. Sleep Disruption - The transition into and out of DST can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to sleep deprivation and potential health issues. It may take some time for people to adjust to the new schedule.
2. Economic Costs - Implementing and maintaining DST can result in economic costs for businesses and governments. Adjusting timekeeping systems, updating schedules, and dealing with time zone differences can be burdensome.
3. Inefficiency - Some critics argue that the energy savings attributed to DST are negligible or non-existent. The effects on energy consumption may vary depending on geographic location and climate.
4. Health Consequences - The sleep disruption associated with DST can lead to health problems such as increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues.
5. Inconvenience - DST can be inconvenient for people who need to adjust their schedules, for example, by changing their clocks or adapting to time zone differences. It may also affect international and interstate businesses.
6. Lack of Consistency - DST is not uniformly practised worldwide or within a single country. This lack of consistency can lead to confusion and complications in scheduling and communication.

How Changing the Clock Affects Our Circadian Rhythms

While it may appear to be an insignificant change, this time change can have a substantial impact on our body's natural cycle, known as our circadian rhythm.

Circadian rhythms, or our internal body clock, regulate many biological functions in our system and our sleep/wake cycle. This internal rhythm is guided by external signals, such as light and darkness, which help maintain a regular sleep pattern. When our circadian rhythms are interrupted, such as during Daylight Saving Time, we can experience sleep problems and weariness. Our bodies may struggle to adjust to the new hour, making falling or staying asleep harder.

Circadian rhythm disruption symptoms include difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, an inability to concentrate, and appetite changes. Individuals also report emotional issues like depression or anxiety. Symptoms vary in severity and may continue until the body's rhythms fully adjust to the new time.

Strategies for Adjusting to the Time Change

While the time change during Daylight Saving Time can cause disruptions in our circadian cycles, there are measures we can take to lessen its impact on our sleep.

One approach is gradually altering your sleep schedule in the weeks before the time change. For a week before the time change, begin going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day. This incremental change can aid your body's adaptation.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment can help you sleep better. Avoid using electronic devices before bed, and keep your bedroom cold, dark, and quiet.

A consistent bedtime routine indicates to your body that it is time to sleep.

To help you relax and fall asleep, consider adopting relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

Daylight Saving Time and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Daylight Saving Time (DST) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are linked in that DST can have both beneficial and harmful effects on people's mental health, especially those who are predisposed to or suffering from SAD.

SAD is often characterised by depressive symptoms that appear during the autumn and winter months when there is less natural daylight. DST, which ends in the autumn, leads to less daylight in the evening, thus lowering the quantity of natural light exposure during the darker months. Individuals who are already prone to SAD may be compounded by sleep disruption and changes in daily routines connected with DST.

It is important to note that the effect of DST on people with SAD varies from person to person. Some people may not notice any adverse effects, while others may feel that DST increases their SAD symptoms. The magnitude of the effect is also affected by geographic location and how well the local time shift corresponds to an individual's innate circadian rhythms.

Individuals with SAD should keep a regular sleeping routine, seek exposure to natural light during the day, consider using a SAD LED light in the afternoon when it gets dark, and consult with a healthcare practitioner for appropriate management and treatment of SAD symptoms to offset the potentially harmful effects of DST.

Modern Controversies and Debates Surrounding Daylight Saving

Despite its lengthy history, daylight saving time remains a source of contention and disagreement. Disturbing people's sleep habits and circadian rhythms is one of the key grounds against daylight saving time. Critics believe that changing the clocks twice a year causes sleep deprivation, which can be harmful to both physical and mental health. There are worries concerning the economic impact of daylight saving time, with some research suggesting that it may increase rather than decrease energy use. There are also discussions concerning the usefulness and relevance of daylight saving time in today's society, with some claiming that it is an outmoded practice that no longer fulfils its intended purpose.