Did you know that Arizona and Hawaii don’t observe Daylight Savings Time?
Like the rest of the U.S. population, these states were sick of dealing with a bi-annual routine change. According to the US Department of Defense, Daylight Savings Time was enacted initially during World War One to save energy and decrease consumption costs.
By adding an hour of light to the day, jobs could run longer, lights wouldn’t need to be turned on as soon, and overall, the cost of energy consumption in America would decrease. Although these practices made sense for the economy in their time, this is the 21st century, and there are jobs working all hours, with energy consumption at an all-time high, regardless of a time change.
For Standard Time supporters, there is scientific research backing the idea that Standard Time would be better for our physical health. According to the Neuroscience Outreach Group, Standard Time can improve the alignment of our Circadian Rhythms, aiding better sleep. Waking up to the light of the sun rising stops the production of melatonin in your body, making it easier for you to wake up.
During the evening, it is also easier to wind down as your body adjusts to a reduced amount of light. Similar studies by the National Library of Medicine in Seattle, Washington, have also proven that even 45 minutes of extra sleep led to significantly decreased rates of diagnoses for depression, ADHD, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in teenage students.
While some people argue that Daylight Savings Time should be eliminated, many agree that Daylight Savings Time should be the permanent time we observe. According to The Sacramento Bee, more than 7.1 million California Voters said yes to 2018’s Proposition 7 — a bill created by then-Assemblyman Kansen Chu for San Jose that would put California on permanent Daylight Saving Time.
Although there was a dramatic positive response, the bill required federal government permission and was not approved. The Conversation also makes a great point regarding the negative effects that Standard time may have on teens. An extra hour of sunlight can produce more Serotonin, reducing the risks of Seasonal Affect Disorder.
SAD is a mental health disorder that causes symptoms of depression to increase, usually during the shorter and darker winter days of Standard Time. Additionally, extra daylight hours can encourage people to socialize more, which is associated with improved mood and well-being.
Whether you support the change to DST or Standard Time, your voice deserves to be heard. If you want to make a positive change, you can reach out to your local representatives to discuss the change’s benefits and how it would impact the citizens of the United States. For more information on finding your local representatives, visit the USA GOV website here.
