The Daylight Saving Time (DST) system has continued to spark controversy, and perhaps it is time to rethink how time adjustments are handled. Some argue that the twice-yearly clock change disrupts sleep schedules and affects overall well-being, raising the question of whether time zones themselves are necessary in today’s world.
Daylight Saving Time was originally established during WWI to save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting, as it was believed that people would spend more time outside and less time inside due to the available daylight. These extra daylight hours were also beneficial for war production.
Those who continue to support DST, despite its current limitations, argue that the system aligns with natural daylight, helping people plan their daily activities based on the sun’s position. However, many people live and work hours that don’t match daylight times, and people’s internal clocks struggle to keep up with DST adjustments, which can affect health and productivity. Additionally, biannual time changes increase sleep deprivation, lower productivity, and create stress and anxiety.
When French teacher Lori Crawford-Dixon was asked whether it’s time to reconsider the relevance of DST, she responded, “I remember voting on this issue in a recent election, and I remember me and most people in California decided we were against changing time, so just have the same time all year long.”
Furthermore, Jack Nixon ‘26 said, “I think Daylight Saving Time creates a more coordinated world. I want the time to match where the sun position’s should be. In my opinion, I wouldn’t want to wake up when it is very bright outside.”
While time zones may help align activities with the sun’s light, they create a problem when trying to communicate across the globe and complicate everyone’s calendars. Since there are many technological advancements in this modern era, it is possible to create tools that allow people to personalize their schedules while still following the same universal structure.
The U.S. should consider a shift away from traditional time adjustments to enhance our quality of life.
