Daylight Savings Time is a system for advancing clocks in the summer time, while setting it back in the winter. This allows for summer days to be longer, and winter days shorter. DST (Daylight Savings Time) was implemented during World War I as a way to conserve energy by extending the hours of sunlight in a day. Germany implemented it in 1916 with the United States following it in 1919. Several people proposed the idea of DST before it became an official idea. Benjamin Franklin wrote about an idea similar to DST in an essay published in 1784. He suggested waking up earlier to conserve candle and lantern oil. George Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand proposed a two hour shift in time. He claimed this would allow him to have more sunshine for bug hunting in 1895. Hudson is known as the first person to officially propose the idea formally. In 1907, William Willet wrote a pamphlet known as, “The Waste of Daylight”. In this pamphlet he encouraged support for advancing clocks in the Springtime.
In the United States, DST was repealed after World War I, however after World War II it was re-established. It was permanently implemented in 1966 with the passage of the Uniform Time Act. The Uniform Time Act established specific start and end dates for the DST. It also allowed states to opt out by passing state laws. The Uniform Time Act was amended in 1972, allowing states with multiple time zones to opt out of only certain parts of the state. In 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act was passed by the U.S Senate, the Sunshine Protection Act would permanently activate DST. The act was not passed by the U.S House of Representatives. Today, there’s several places in the United States that do not abide by DST standards. Arizona, Hawaii, and the Navajo Nation do not observe DST.
The argument about Daylight Savings Time has been going on for centuries. Supporters of DST argue that it’s necessary for several reasons. Some people believe that DST boosts the economy by encouraging outdoor activities. It also allows people to be able to participate in those activities for longer. People also argue that longer daylight hours are important to safety. Longer daylight hours make it safer for people to walk, jog, or bike ride to different destinations. Driving is also safer in the daytime, causing less accidents. Supporters also claim that DST is more energy efficient, however, studies have proven the difference is only minimal.
“I can’t stand going home from school and then an hour later it gets dark. I feel like I have more time to do things when I have sunlight for longer and it makes me less sad.” Says Max Steed, a student from Buckhannon Upshur.
Arguments against DST include lack of evidence, health concerns, and disrupted schedules. The opposition brought up studies that showed reduced crimes and accidents weren’t as significant as supporters make it to be. Some sleep experts say that DST disrupts our natural circadian rhythms which could potentially lead to health problems such as; heart attacks, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. DST can also cause schedule changes that can be considered inconvenient for many.
“I don’t support DST because it’s an antiquated way and it disrupts sleep cycles.” Says Ava Hymes.
