“Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”- Benjamin Franklin
Like many Americans, there’s a pretty good chance you woke up just a wee bit more tired than usual this morning, or you feel like your day is flying by just a little faster than you’d like- all thanks to the semi-annual observance of Daylight Savings Time this weekend.
First proposed in New Zealand, in 1895 by entomologist George Vernon Hudson, Daylight Savings Time wasn’t actually observed until World War I (it began as a way to conserve coal by the allies).
Since its implementation, the controversial practice has had a polarizing (and sometimes draining) effect, to say the least. For those who support DST, they point to the following pros:
1. More daylight– More sunlight means potentially more time for work, safer roads and conditions for children walking to and from school, better health, and reduced crime
2. Energy savings– Although this point is often disputed (especially in modern times), the theory is that the longer the sun shines, the less electricity will be used
3. More outdoor time– The longer the sun shines, the more time there is for recreational and other outdoor activities
For the naysayers, they point to the following cons:
1. The adjustment period– In addition to our bodies internal clocks adjusting to the change in time, we also have to update our regular clocks and other electronics- which we all know can be a total drag
2. Loss of patronage and spending– During the fall observance of DST, many businesses (especially land workers, farmers, etc) site a connection between the darker evenings and slower business
3. Crowding and congestion– On the flip side, during the spring observance, more sunlight brings more people out to play and work, which can lead to congestion on the roads, and at malls and recreation facilities
Whether you’re for, against, or indifferent to Daylight Savings Time, one thing’s for certain- as for now it’s here to stay. Which means we’ll just have grab that extra cup of coffee or 5-hour energy and carry on!
Do you think Daylight Savings Time is necessary? Is it hard for you to adjust? Do you have any special ways you make the transition easier? Share your feedback and tips with us!
The Retro 51 Blog 
Actually, switching to Daylight Saving Time is not a semi-annual occurrence. It happens once each year, in March. Then in November, we switch back to Standard Time.
I think it’s unnecessary. None of points 1 through 3 are even true. Changing our clocks doesn’t magically make the sun shine longer.
It may be worded a little poorly, but it refers to “more sunlight” as in the times when the sun is out is going to coincide better with the times when we’re awake… although, I disagree as far as the winter goes since it’s becoming more acceptable to start you day later than people used to. (e.g. Farmers, which is one of the main reasons DST was originally created, IIRC) — I think all three are valid points, even though I’m not a fan of daylight savings.
I am just ready for spring….
it should be practiced and i like it, but it is a major annoyance when you forget to reset your clocks…. plus its not like were just going to up and stop doing it one year… right??
Believing that consistency is the last resort of the unimaginative and knowing we have the technology to make the clock, I propose that sunrise be designated as 6AM and sunset be 6pm and we see where that goes. Hour length will vary day to day. Might be fun!