End daylight saving time, for the love of God

By Cody Andrus

Daylight saving time (DST), a relic of early 20th-century policy, is increasingly regarded as unnecessary and disruptive in modern society. Originally implemented to conserve energy during World War I and later during World War II, DST now offers negligible benefits in an era dominated by energy-efficient technologies. Critics argue that the practice creates more problems than it solves, impacting health, safety, and economic productivity.

Dr. Beth Malow, a professor of neurology at Vanderbilt University, highlights the adverse health consequences of DST, noting that the abrupt shift in time disrupts circadian rhythms, increasing risks of heart attacks, strokes, and sleep disorders. “The transition is not just an inconvenience; it has tangible effects on our health,” she states. Studies back this claim, showing spikes in traffic accidents and workplace injuries immediately following the springtime clock change.

Proponents of DST often cite energy conservation as a key benefit. But this argument holds little weight today. A study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization found that the energy savings are marginal at best and often offset by increased use of air conditioning and heating. Environmental scientist Michael Downing describes it as “an outdated solution that no longer aligns with modern energy consumption patterns.”

Economically, DST has been shown to disrupt productivity. According to a report by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, businesses experience reduced efficiency during the transition period as workers struggle to adjust. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which once supported DST, now acknowledges its minimal impact on consumer spending.

Public sentiment also leans against the practice. A 2022 poll conducted by the Associated Press found that 63% of Americans favor ending DST permanently. Policymakers have taken note, with states like Florida and Washington passing legislation to maintain daylight saving time year-round. But federal approval remains a roadblock, leaving millions of Americans stuck in a twice-annual cycle of disruption.

The persistence of DST is a testament to inertia in policymaking rather than its merits. As technology and societal needs evolve, so too should the policies that govern them. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the elimination of DST, making it clear that this antiquated system has outlived its usefulness.

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AP News; Reuters; The Wall Street Journal; Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization.