On Sunday morning, daylight saving time will end and we will “gain” an hour. (By the way, it’s “daylight saving time,” not “savings.”) This means you’ll “gain” an extra hour at the price of the sun setting sooner in the afternoon. Are you looking forward to it? Upset by it?
Personally, I’m not a fan. Most of us won’t actually get that extra hour of sleep, and experts have said that less sunlight can translate into seasonal affective disorder (SAD), among other health issues.
So why is Daylight Saving Time done in the first place?
Nearly all of the states within United States of America participate, except Arizona and Hawaii and US territories like Guam and Puerto Rico.
The idea behind daylight saving time revolves around the saving of energy, reducing crime and traffic accidents. In spring time, when the weather is nicer and you can be outside more, it theoretically allows you to do just that.
This from the transportation.gov official site:
“It saves energy. During Daylight Saving Time, the sun sets one hour later in the evenings, so the need to use electricity for household lighting and appliances is reduced. People tend to spend more time outside in the evenings during Daylight Saving Time, which reduces the need to use electricity in the home. Also, because the sunrise is very early in the morning during the summer months, most people will awake after the sun has already risen, which means they turn on fewer lights in their homes.
“It saves lives and prevents traffic injuries. During Daylight Saving Time, more people travel to and from school and work and complete errands during the daylight.”
“It reduces crime. During Daylight Saving Time, more people are out conducting their affairs during the daylight rather than at night, when more crime occurs.”
However, what happens when we fall back? What happens when Daylight Saving Time ends, as it will this weekend?
Well, it simply means we will “gain” an hour at the expense of our sun, and potentially see an increase in health related issues.
So let’s celebrate this antiquated practice, one that hasn’t been adjusted in over 100 years, and enjoy the precious time the sun will be out each day.
By Brian Barth
