Daylight Saving Time, DST for short, is when we set the clock forward by one hour at the start of spring, then turn it back one hour in autumn. The main goal is to extend daylight hours in the evening, which gives the illusion that the day is longer than it actually is.
The Beginnings
The idea of DST was first introduced in 1895 by George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealander entomologist. He wanted to find a way to hunt for bugs for as long as possible during the day, so he advocated for a two-hour shift to stretch daylight hours into the evening.
A decade later, William Willet, a British constructor who was passionate about outdoor activities, proposed the same idea with the aim of making the most of daylight, particularly during the summer months. However, he only suggested advancing the clock by 20 minutes in April and reversing the change in September.
The idea did not gain much traction until 1916, during WWI, when Austria and Germany adopted DST as a way of conserving energy and fuel during the war. Before long, other nations, including the UK and US, were also adjusting their clocks forward as well.
The Debate
Over the years, countless countries have adopted DST, whereas others have rejected the idea altogether. Some people see the good that comes from having longer daylight hours, while others are not so keen on the idea. This has sparked a continued debate on whether DST actually helps society or harms it.
The Benefits
DST offers some benefits that have a positive impact on our daily lives and society as a whole.
The fact that we can enjoy longer daylight hours in the evening is at the top of the list. After all, who does not enjoy taking an evening stroll while it is still light out? Or spending time outdoors after work or school?
This directly impacts local economies because longer daylight hours mean increased consumer spending. Whether dining out, shopping, or participating in any number of reactional activities, the more hours of daylight there is, the more likely people are to go out and enjoy themselves.
This takes us to the third advantage of DST: safer road conditions. Research shows that better visibility contributes greatly to a decrease in road accidents. There are also fewer crimes because longer daylight hours tend to discourage offenders from breaking the law.
Another key benefit of implementing DST is that it helps lower energy costs. The reason? There is less demand for lighting up homes and offices since it is still light out well into the evening.
The Drawbacks
Despite its numerous upsides, DST is not as straightforward as simply turning the hands of the clock forward by one hour.
The most obvious disadvantage is that people tend to require an adjustment period to allow their bodies to adapt to the new routine. Studies show that as our bodies get used to the new hours, there tends to be a noticeable rise in loss in productivity and workplace injuries; a direct result of reduced focus and increased fatigue.
The Conclusion
So, are you for DST or against it? One thing is for sure: the future of this practice is sure to evolve, bringing with it a more improved work-life balance that aims at increasing productivity rather than reducing it, as well as more efficient ways to conserve energy and improve overall public health.
References
popularmechanics.com
entrepreneur.com
popularmechanics.com
ourmidland.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The builder who changed how the world keeps time (bbc.com)
Cover Image by freepik