Abolish Daylight Saving Time

Ryan Barnard-Amico

Daylight saving time affects everyone and some think it's irrelevant. DST was first introduced by George Hudson in 1895 which also sparked one of Benjamin Franklin's most famous phrases, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." Usually during DST you set the clocks one hour ahead and in the winter you set them back one hour and as result there is a 23 hour day in late winter and spring but in fall there is one 25 hour day. This was actually put into place to save energy but studies have shown that this does not reduce energy consumption. 

East High Earth Science teacher Ms. Worthington offered some factual information but also her personal opinion. She states, "I personally do not feel that daylight savings helps us conserve energy, because as a whole, the United States is an energy consumption monster. I do not think daylight savings is needed. It is not good for us because many people feel ‘thrown off’ or ‘extra tired each time it comes around." She makes a good point about how people are tired and their sleep schedule is off.

People feel DST should be abolished because of the increase of workplace and car accidents and health issues from lack of sleep and increase of heart conditions. According to scientists it can fragment the circadian rhythm which can take up to several weeks to restore. The US senate has voted unanimously to make DST permanent in 2023 so it might become a thing of the past if the bill is passed so no more changing the clocks.