Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 7th this year at 2:00 A.M. giving us an additional hour of sleep, and more light in the morning.
Links to War and Energy
World War I led to the adoption of Daylight Saving Time in an effort to conserve fuel. The U.S. adopted the new system following Germany, then Great Britain. The system was abandoned in 1920, only to re-emerge after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Daylight Saving Time was reinstated, and clocks were set ahead one hour for the purpose of saving energy.
After the war, inconsistencies developed in its use across the country, creating confusion for broadcasters, transportation, and other industries. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act establishing consistent use of the system within the U.S. On the last Sunday in April we were to “spring forward” one hour, and the last Sunday in October, we “fall back” one hour.
The period of Daylight Saving Time expanded in 1985 with the approval of Congress, moving the start to the first Sunday in April.
Today, as a result of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, most of us (with the exception of Hawaii and Arizona) move the clocks forward one hour on the second Sunday in March, and move them back on on first Sunday in November.
Helpfulness Questioned
About 70 countries around the world observe Daylight Saving Time, but there is growing opposition to the system in the U.S. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, at least 33 states have introduced legislation addressing our adoption and current use of Daylight Saving Time.
The system is opposed by farmers, health professionals, and cognitive experts. Scientific research has suggested many consequences of the system:
- sleep and circadian rhythm disruption
- decrease in alertness, problem-solving skills, creativity
- increased risk of depression and other mental disorders
- increased risk of workplace injuries
- increase in traffic accidents during spring transition
- increased risk of cardiovascular disease
In the mean time, enjoy the extra hour of sleep, be aware of potential disruptions, and prepare for the next change on March 13 of 2022.