The Surprising Reason Behind the US Daylight Saving Time

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Its almost time for clocks to "fall back" one hour.

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The 4-7-8 technique offers a potential solution to improve your sleep. Every first Sunday of November, at 2 a.m., clocks must be adjusted one hour back to revert to standard time, thereby signaling the conclusion of Daylight Saving Time. Conversely, on the second Sunday of March, at 2 a.m., clocks in numerous countries, including the majority of the United States, "spring forward" by one hour, initiating Daylight Saving Time which lasts for approximately eight months.

The US has been following the current March to November system since 2007, but the idea of "saving daylight" has a long history. Daylight Saving Time originated from train schedules and was later implemented in Europe and the United States during World War I to conserve fuel and power, as stated by the US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Pro tip: It is called Daylight Saving Time, using the singular form of "saving," not "savings."

Reasons for Daylight Saving Time

Don't forget to reset your alarm clock.

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The US implemented permanent Daylight Saving Time during most of World War II in order to conserve fuel and standardize timekeeping. In 1945, as the war was ending, Gallup conducted a survey asking respondents their preference for timekeeping. Only 17% supported keeping the then-called "war time" all year.

In response to the energy crisis of the 1970s, the US once again experimented with permanent Daylight Saving Time during the winter of 1973-1974 as a means to save fuel. This move gained popularity when President Richard Nixon signed the law in January 1974. However, the enthusiasm waned by the end of the month when Florida's governor called for the repeal of the law after eight schoolchildren were involved in accidents during the dark mornings. Schools nationwide adjusted their start times to ensure students' safety until daylight arrived.

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By summer, public approval had plummeted, and in early fall Congress voted to switch back to standard time.

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How would a permanent implementation of Daylight Saving Time impact you?

In the United States, states have the option to forgo the practice of "falling back" or "springing forward." Notably, Hawaii, parts of Arizona, and certain territories in the Pacific and Caribbean choose not to observe Daylight Saving Time. The biannual time change is frustrating to legislators across the political spectrum, leading the US Senate to approve a bill in March 2022 that proposes making Daylight Saving Time permanent. Regrettably, the bill did not receive a vote in the House of Representatives in 2022.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 was reintroduced in the Senate earlier this year along with companion legislation in the House, but passage is not expected anytime soon.

Why do we need Daylight Saving Time

Research conducted over the past 25 years has indicated that the time change associated with Daylight Saving disrupts our body's natural rhythms, which are attuned to the Earth's rotation. This has fueled the ongoing debate regarding the merits of implementing Daylight Saving Time in any manner.

The crux of the issue lies in the fact that every argument pertaining to this topic has a corresponding counterargument. For instance, certain studies indicate a rise in car accidents following the loss of an hour of sleep. Conversely, other studies suggest a decrease in robberies when there is an additional hour of sunlight in the evening. Furthermore, it is widely acknowledged that instances of heart attacks tend to increase when Daylight Saving Time commences. However, it is essential to consider the impact on our mental well-being as well. Many individuals express increased happiness when they experience an extra hour of daylight.

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Of course, the economy is responsible for financing all the outdoor activities enjoyed in the sun. While saving energy was often cited as a justification for implementing Daylight Saving Time, the actual energy conservation achieved is minimal, if any.

The push for Daylight Saving Time primarily stemmed from various sectors within the economy. During the mid-20th century, lobby groups representing the recreational sports industry, such as driving ranges, aimed to attract more customers who could engage in activities after work hours. A longer duration of daylight in the evenings made it easier for people to participate in such leisure activities.

However, the film industry was not in favor of Daylight Saving Time due to the decreased likelihood of people going to the movies when it is still bright outside. Contrary to popular belief, even farmers had their reservations as it posed challenges in bringing their produce to the market in the morning.

To sum up, the benefits of having an additional hour of sunlight at the end of the day or at the beginning are not unequivocally clear. It solely depends on individual preferences and needs.

Subscribe to CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for a weekly compilation of tips and resources to enhance your overall well-being. Stay informed and motivated with insights from Saffeya Ahmed, Harry Enten, Sandee LaMotte, and Ali Zaslav, who have also contributed to this report. Please note that this story has been revised from a previous 2022 article.