Daylight-saving time is approaching on November 6th! Clocks will fall back by an hour, giving everyone some much-needed extra sleep.
Everyone knows what daylight-saving time is, but not many understand its purpose. So why is an hour gained every November?
The origination of daylight-savings can be traced back to the transportation industry during World War I to conserve energy. By adjusting the clock in the spring and fall, there is always daylight in the morning. Due to this, Americans did not have to turn their lights on earlier, which consumed fuel that could be used in war efforts.
Since then, daylight-savings has been implemented in the US, although some states have discontinued this practice. By losing an hour in the Spring, or “springing forward”, there is more daylight in the evening, and by gaining an hour in the fall, or “falling back”, there is more daylight in the morning.
Although it is a hassle adjusting to the time change every few months, daylight-saving time has its benefits. With longer daylight time, driving is safer so accidents are less likely to happen. Daylight-saving also continues to minimize energy consumption since this practice preserves daylight in the morning. Also, it is simply nicer to wake up in daylight than in darkness.
There are many downsides to daylight-saving as well. The time changes have been linked to mental health issues and sleep deprivation. The lack of daylight in the afternoons during winter can increase the likelihood of seasonal depression disorders as well. The rising unpopularity of daylight-saving time has motivated Congress to draft the Sunshine Protection Act. This bill is in the process of being passed and will make daylight savings permanent, so the time will stay an hour ahead.
If passed, November 6th will mark the last “fall back” ever, so enjoy that extra hour of sleep, and remember to mark your calendars and set your clock an hour behind on this date!
