By BROOKE LYONS
As we approach spring, the flowers start to bloom and the weather starts to warm. While our moods begin to brighten, the sky follows suit. When the sun rises an hour earlier in the winter, and an hour later in the spring this is typically what we refer to as Daylight Saving Time (DST).
This year, DST started on Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 AM local time and will be in effect until early November.
The history of these sudden changes in time date back to World War I. In 1916 Germany, this concept was introduced as a way to save energy. The US took inspiration and implemented this change in 1918, but it failed to succeed due to farmer protests.
DST was implemented once again during World War II; however, it failed once more. DST began to become more recognized, though, and in 1966, DST was signed into law by Congress, which still exists today.
Multiple studies from Business Insider explains the drawbacks of losing an hour of sleep as short-term symptoms include a state of jetlag, an increased risk of car crashes, and an increased risk of work accidents. These symptoms are typically associated with losing an hour of daylight in the spring.
But what do students today think about the unchanged implementation of DST? Senior Devyn Dees said, “In the wintertime, my family gets home later, and in the summer they’re home earlier, but both can have negative consequences.”
“I know people would want to get rid of this day which I think is silly,” Dees added, “but depending on how many people want to get rid of DST, it might be gone in the future. ”
Senior Neheid “Tay” Balala has a more inspirational view on Daylight Savings. “I think humans should always adapt to their surroundings, and Daylight Savings Time is a switch where the most thriving people will thrive,” he said.
Balala runs a local clothing brand by the name of ‘Left Paris’ as he said, “Humans like to work in the morning for the sunshine. I like to work every hour”. He believes that Daylight Savings Time shouldn’t impact his schedule on shipping and bringing customers quality-made clothing.
Some productivity tips for DST, in addition to internal motivation, are getting more sunlight, adjusting your clocks to designated times, and making sure you keep intact with your circadian rhythm.
Sophomore Elle Vuong shared rather neutral views on DST. “This day doesn’t affect me that much, so it’s not that significant to me,” she said.
Voung also explained, “I thought daylight saving time was just dependent on what the sun does. I don’t know if people actually get affected.” Her response is reflected in data shown by the online newspaper Bergen Record that stated 83% of people surveyed believe this clock-moving ritual doesn’t help with conserving energy.
According to Fox Business, 57% of people disapproved of this time-changing ritual, 22% enjoyed it, and 21% were neutral. How do you feel about our clocks recently losing an hour?
March 2024
The Prowler 