The Real Impact Daylight Savings Time Has on Texans Health
When will Daylight Savings Time end? November 3rd 2024 at 2:00 am.
Every March and November, Americans in 48 states shift their clocks, an annual ritual known as daylight savings time (DST). Arizona and Hawaii, however, opt out of this practice, choosing to remain on standard time year-round. This twice-yearly clock change has sparked debates nationwide, with many questioning its relevance and health benefits the lack thereof as seen in the video below.
I learned many years ago that lack of sleep is not good on the body the brain or the heart. Therein lies the debate is it really good for our energy usage but more importantly is it good on our bodies? By working with others in close proximity I've learned the answer to the latter. No time change is not good for the body as my co-workers come in irritable and cranky after losing an hour of sleep or trying to sleep in an extra hour and not being able to do it.
The Biological Toll of Daylight Savings Time
Though DST saves some energy, its impact on our bodies can’t be ignored. Dr. Joseph Takahashi, Chair of Neuroscience at UT Southwestern and a leading expert on biological clocks, notes several health effects linked to DST. Some of these effects include:
- Sleep Disruption – It can take three days to three weeks for the human body to adjust, leading to widespread sleep deprivation.
- Mood Changes and Depression – A disruption in the body’s rhythm can trigger low moods and, in some cases, depression.
- Increased Cardiovascular Risks – Heart risks spike, especially in the spring when clocks move forward.
- Higher Risk of Traffic Accidents – Early morning accidents increase by about 6% immediately after the time change.
- Lower Serotonin Levels – The reduced daylight affects melatonin and serotonin, two crucial hormones for mood and overall health.
Origins of Daylight Savings Time
The official adoption of daylight savings time in the U.S. began in 1966, primarily to conserve energy. The logic was simple: by shifting clocks forward in the spring, daylight hours were extended, potentially reducing the need for artificial lighting. States were encouraged to “spring forward” one hour in March and “fall back” an hour in November. The move aimed to save on electricity costs, especially as daylight dwindled earlier in the day.
Does Daylight Savings Time Really Save Energy?
Despite the initial energy-saving goal, recent studies present a mixed picture. On average, DST cuts electricity consumption by only about 0.5% per day. While this might seem minimal, it accumulates to roughly 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours nationwide—a significant amount, equivalent to powering 100,000 homes for a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Texas and Other States Consider Abandoning DST
In recent years, states like Texas have discussed abandoning DST altogether. Many, including Texas, have introduced bills in both state and federal legislatures, and some Texans even believed the last time change was imminent. However, there are currently no concrete plans to end DST nationwide, leaving residents to adjust their clocks twice a year.
What’s Next for Daylight Savings Time?
As more research emerges on both the minimal energy savings and the biological toll of DST, the debate continues. Whether states like Texas will eventually break from DST remains uncertain, but many residents are eager to see the end of the clock-changing cycle.
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