The History Of Daylight Savings Time
Why Time Matters
"Spring forward, fall back" is a familiar phrase often used to remind us when to change our clocks an hour ahead or an hour behind. But why do we follow this practice year after year? The simple answer would be to adjust to the lengthening or shortening of daylight which occurs during the summer and winter months. However, there is a history behind why we adjust our clocks yearly, and a controversy surrounding whether it should be done at all.
Even ancient civilizations worked their schedules and routines around the change in daylight. However, modern daylight savings time was first introduced in 1784, with a published paper in France by Benjamin Franklin. He proposed rising earlier to use morning sunlight instead of overusing candles. In 1905, William Willett re-introduced the idea of daylight savings time who felt daylight was being wasted during the summer. He published his own proposal about the subject suggesting the clock be advanced during the summer months. Germany began implementing his idea during the start of World War I as a way to conserve coal, and other European nations, as well as the United States, began following suit.
Today, there are several reasons given to justify the continued use of daylight savings time. One benefit is energy conversation. "Delaying" the times in which the sun rises and sets saves on lighting, which accounts for almost 4% of electricity use in the United States. There are also effects on the economy because of daylight savings time. Retailers and other businesses can benefit from the extended sunlight, which encourages consumers to shop longer and participate in outdoor sports and hobbies. However, it comes as a cost, as the clock change can mean extra work to support remote meetings and computer applications. A drop in crime and traffic fatalities has also been observed in correlation with using daylight savings time, as the extra daylight gives more time for commutes home and the completion of errands before nighttime. Depending on the location, a reduction of daylight can also effect overexposure to sunlight, as well as more time for outdoor exercise and activities.
Many view daylight savings time as a negative and unnecessary practice. Some say it affects health negatively, disrupting sleep patterns and ruining sleep's efficiency, which can lead to seasonal depression/disorders. Farmers largely dislike daylight savings time, as they must rise with the sun no matter what time it is, and it forces them to change their schedules to sell crops. Many view the practice as just a large inconvenience, disrupting travel, timekeeping, heavy machinery and computer equipment, and schedules.
Daylight savings time has indeed been a controversy since it was first officially used, and despite several government changes to the practice, it will undoubtedly continue to be a controversial practice. Whether you find it beneficial or a huge inconvenience, just remember to "spring forward" or "fall back", or you may find yourself sleeping through an important business meeting or missing out on some extra hours during a lovely summer's morning. So don't forget to change your clocks this weekend!
