Is Switching to Daylight Saving Time Really the Best Approach?

Source: Stas Knop, Pexels

Since the 1960’s, Americans have had to deal with the hassle of remembering to adjust the clocks in every room, car and device they own twice a year because of the annoying and seemingly meaningless daylight saving time. Daylight Saving Time (DST) was originally introduced as an effort to save energy during war times, as it shifts one hour from the morning to later in the afternoon, or “springs forward” as we’re familiar with it. The idea is that during those afternoon hours for the months that daylight saving time is in effect, Americans can rely more on the sun for light during their waking hours. Currently, DST is in effect for around eight months of the year, from March to November, and the rest of the year is spent in standard time.

Recently, permanently switching to DST has gained support in our legislature, with the Senate even passing a bill to do so. The Sunshine Protection Act, which would switch Americans to operate on DST permanently, is now waiting on a vote in the House of Representatives. While this may seem like a relief to many, it may not be as glorious as it sounds. 

Permanently switching to DST would mean that during some winter days, places like New York City may not see sunrise until 8 or 9 a.m.. Switching to standard time permanently would create the opposite effect. During the summer months, the sun would rise ridiculously early – with some days rising as early as around 4 a.m. and setting around 7:30 p.m. 

Experts do agree that eliminating the twice-a-year clock change would be beneficial for our health and sleep patterns. However, some say that permanently switching to standard time over DST would be the better option. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) even took this stance on the issue. Their argument is that light acts as a great cue for our body’s natural alarm clock system. DST causes more light later in the evening when we may be closer to going to sleep, and less light in the morning when we are expected to wake up and start our day. This is completely counter to our body’s natural sleep system. Therefore, permanent standard time would be the better fit, according to the AASM.

Interestingly, this measure to push for DST is not new. During the 1970s, Congress actually passed a bill which made DST permanent. However, after a few months, Americans became displeased. The article references that Americans did not like starting their day in the dark. Arguably, this further supports the AASM’s stance on the issue. Ultimately, Congress repealed the bill later that year. While technology in the energy sector has come a long way since the 1970s and this should be taken into consideration, I don’t think society’s evolution is reason enough to not pass the current bill. Though there are many other factors which should be considered.

Although our current time system may disrupt our health and sleeping patterns a few times a year, it is the fairest approach to the issue. Switching permanently to either standard time or DST would have opposite, and at times, drastic effects on Americans. I don’t believe there is an approach that would please everyone involved, as everyone has different opinions depending on varying geographical regions, lifestyles and preferences. Keeping the system how it currently is, with both DST and standard time, allows us to maintain a balance in early sunrises and late sunsets.