Daylight saving time first began during World War 1 to save energy by creating more daylight hours during the workday. The time change is still in place over a century later. While daylight saving time made sense when it was first introduced, it now has more consequences than benefits.
By forcing students to wake up earlier than their bodies are ready to, their circadian rhythms are disrupted. Teenagers’ circadian rhythms are used to them falling asleep later and waking up later, causing them to get less sleep than they need. According to a study on 35 high school students done by Cornell Medical College, sleep duration declined by an average of 32 minutes on weeknights after daylight saving time, and a cumulative weekly loss of 2 hours and 42 minutes. Sleep deprivation also affects attention, memory and concentration; all necessary skills for students to do well in school.
Beyond school, sleep deprivation caused by daylight saving time can also take a toll on students’ mental health. It increases irritability and anxiety making an already stressful third quarter much harder. Losing a little sleep might seem like a minor inconvenience, but for students already balancing sports, clubs, jobs and school, it’s another challenge that can be the difference between staying on track and falling behind.
Safety while driving is another concern. Darker mornings means student drivers are having to adapt to driving in poorer conditions and face higher risk of accidents. A study published in Science Direct found that on the first day of daylight saving time road accidents increased by 16% and another 12% the following day. Even students who walk or bike to school will be affected since reduced visibility will make them harder for drivers to see.
Supporters of daylight saving time argue that it helps conserve energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. While this may have been true when it was first introduced, a study done by Stanford University showed that only a 0.34% reduction in electricity consumption actually occurred on daylight saving days. Additionally, in some states extending daylight later into the evening can even increase energy use. For example, Arizona opted out of participating in daylight savings time in 1967 primarily to conserve energy used by air conditioners during the extreme heat. Arizona’s decision shows how eliminating daylight saving time can be both practical and energy efficient, without negatively affecting student’s ability to learn, participate in activities or succeed in school.
Getting rid of daylight saving time would allow students to experience spring to the fullest. The third quarter is already a stressful time, and removing the complications that come with daylight saving time would give them one less challenge to manage. Spring should be about growth, reenergizing, and having fun. For students, the cost of daylight saving time is clear and it is time to rethink the tradition that no longer works for their schedules, health or ability to enjoy the season.
