We officially fell back one hour early this morning due to the end of Daylight Saving Time and I am tired of it. I find it hard to believe that there are a lot of people out there who prefer when the sun sets before 5 pm (4:53 pm in Cinnaminson, NJ today). That’s just way too much darkness.
I am someone who loves the sunlight. There needs to be plenty of sun at all times. Cloudy and dreary days are fine every once in a while, but having the sun set daily prior to 5 pm is just too much.
Maybe it’s the fact that I spend my summers at the shore. Or, maybe it’s the fact that more sunshine makes me happier. Either way, when the sun is out, I am in a better mood and I would go out on a limb to say that is how the majority of people out there feel.
The Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Our Health and Safety
The time change twice per year has a profound impact on our health and safety for the two weeks immediately following each event. The most impactful ways the time change affects our health and safety are as follows:
- Disruption of sleep patterns and circadian rhythm
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- An increased risk of accidents at work and while driving
- Disproportionate impacts for seniors and children
- $1.7 billion in losses for the economy
It is Time to Do Away With the Changing of the Clocks
Legislation was introduced in the United States Senate in 2022 that would make Daylight Saving time permanent. This means that we would no longer change the clocks twice per year. It would give us that extra hour of sunlight every day of the year too.
The legislation was approved by the Senate but stalled in the United States House of Representatives. This led to it being reintroduced in early 2023 in the Senate. The measure is known as the Sunshine Protection Act.
The National Conference of State Legislation reports that there have been some 450 resolutions and bills created by state legislatures that would permit year-round Daylight Saving Time should a bill pass at the federal level.
As of November 5, 2023, the following states have passed legislation that would permit year-round daylight saving time if done so at the federal level:
- Colorado
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Utah
- Wyoming
- Delaware
- Maine
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Florida
- California
The discussion of ending the time change is nothing new. Studies have been conducted to determine if changing the clocks twice a year actually does any good. Some of those studies have found that ending the practice of changing the time can reduce heart problems and the risk of stroke.
Are you ready to see the changing of the clocks go away? Do you prefer having sunset prior to 5 pm? Either way, let’s talk about it in the comments section. Remember to subscribe to The Jimmy V Archives so you are notified when I publish new content. Thanks for reading!
