TWH – As the U.S. navigates yet another tense Election Day, many of us find ourselves waiting anxiously for results that may take days to finalize. Meanwhile, people worldwide, growing weary of the constant complaints about U.S. political dramas, will undoubtedly welcome a different kind of debate. So, let’s take a break from election talk and focus on something else that sparks near-universal disdain: daylight saving time (DST).
DST ended this past weekend. Most people hate the “spring forward” but love the “fall back,” which coincided with Samhain this past weekend—unless, of course, they’re driving home in the dark after work.
Across social media, many Pagans, Witches, and others have voiced their frustration with DST, using terms like “abhorrent” and filling the feeds with endless repetitions of “hate.” For many, this practice of adjusting our clocks twice a year feels increasingly outdated and unnecessary, and people across the spectrum—from the mystical to the mundane—seem united in their contempt for it.
Okay, not everyone… At least one person squealed with joy about the practice.
So, let’s review that debate. But first, enjoy the “Daylight Saving” trailer released almost 10 years ago, which is now a classic.
A Quick Overview
Daylight saving time is observed in many parts of North America, Europe, and South America. In these regions, clocks move forward by an hour in the spring and shift back in the fall, aiming to make better use of daylight in the evenings during the warmer months. However, most countries near the equator skip DST, given that they experience fairly consistent daylight throughout the year. Even large countries like China and India opt-out; China, for instance, has only one time zone despite its vast territory.
While DST was initially designed to save energy, it’s less effective in today’s world. Modern heating and cooling demands, particularly in extreme climates, often offset the energy savings from reduced lighting, making the overall benefit minimal.
Some regions have re-evaluated their DST policies over the years. The European Union, for example, has considered ending the practice, allowing each country to choose either permanent standard time or daylight saving time. The rationale behind DST—largely tied to energy savings—has come under scrutiny, as some now argue it is too disruptive for the modest benefits it provides.
Toni Verdú Carbó (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
The Good Side of DST (According to Its Supporters)
Proponents argue that DST does have benefits, particularly in terms of energy use, economic activity, and even public safety.
Originally, DST was intended to reduce the need for artificial lighting in the evenings, resulting in energy savings. Studies have shown that this effect is modest but present, especially in lighting. However, this benefit is less significant in today’s world, where air conditioning and other modern devices dominate energy use.
Another benefit appears to be economic and social activity. Researchers suggest that with more daylight in the evening, people tend to engage in more outdoor activities, which can be a boon for local economies. Events, shopping, and dining out are all thought to increase when people have more daylight after work.
Criminologists have also noted a reduction in crime. Longer daylight hours in the evening have been linked to lower crime rates, as people feel safer outdoors during daylight, and certain crimes are less likely to occur in well-lit conditions.
But there are Downsides as well
Despite these potential benefits, the drawbacks of DST are significant, which is why many people want to abolish it. Here are some of the most common complaints:
Researchers have identified health risks associated with the time change. The shift disrupts our circadian rhythms, which are critical for regulating sleep and overall health. This disruption has been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular events, like heart attacks, particularly in the days following the clock change. Additionally, the sleep disturbances associated with DST can exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
There’s more: an increase in traffic accidents also appears to be associated with the time change. Sleep loss and decreased alertness following the shift to DST are linked to an uptick in traffic accidents. The “spring forward” shift, in particular, is notorious for its negative impact on road safety, as people are forced to adjust quickly to the time change.
Then there are agricultural impacts. Farmers and those in agricultural sectors often find DST disruptive, as the shift can interfere with routines that rely on consistent daylight. Livestock, for instance, do not adjust to the new clock, which can complicate feeding and milking schedules.
Current research on DST presents a complex picture. While DST can offer some social and economic benefits, such as increased outdoor activity and potential reductions in crime, the physical and psychological costs are substantial. For many, the negative impacts on health and safety outweigh any economic or energy-saving benefits. Consequently, more and more people are calling for a change—either sticking to standard time or choosing permanent DST.
DST will return on March 9, 2025, and the debate over whether it should stay or go may cast a pall on our relationships and discussions. But at least we’re complaining about something other than politics or, worse, something truly divisive—like whether we should have cast our circle deosil or widdershins.
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