The concept of changing the clocks is accepted as an annual occurrence that is beyond our control. However, like many aspects of modern life, Daylight Savings Time can have serious negative effects. For many people, the effect is similar to jet lag, moving through different time zones. They suffer from fatigue, sleep problems and other mild effects that pass over time.
Why do we change the clock for winter time?
Daylight Saving Time was not a reality for most of human history. The famously frugal Benjamin Franklin was the first to propose turning clocks to allow more light into the day, but this idea was not fully developed for a century. Germany adopted the practice of changing clocks twice a year during World War II as an energy-saving measure. Many countries followed suit because of its obvious practicality.
Does this practice actually save money? In most areas, yes; about 1 percent. However, in hot areas, it appears to increase energy use, because it reduces the need for lighting while increasing the need for more expensive air conditioning. Daylight saving time probably results in a very small overall reduction in energy needs.
Does this reduction in energy consumption outweigh the consequences?
The consequences of winter time
Any energy savings would be worth the change if it came without any costs. However, a growing body of work suggests that this practice can have serious economic and physical costs. Light is one of the most important cues for regulating our circadian rhythms, so it makes sense that changing our sleep-wake cycle in relation to daylight hours could have consequences.
Several studies have shown that daylight saving time can be a very expensive habit. Accidents, both in vehicles and at work, increase dramatically the next day. In addition, there is an immediate increase in strokes, heart attacks and a variety of other serious health problems: even with the change to standard time, the biorhythm is thrown into disarray. Are these huge costs worth the difference in energy costs? Many countries, such as Finland, are discussing abandoning daylight saving time because of its destructive effects on citizens.
Source: www.chronobiology.com
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