We just turned back the clock at 2:00 a.m., now what? If you're one of the people who dislike having to "Spring Forward and Fall Back" for Daylight Saving Time (DST), then you would probably want to read this because we're just about to present you with logical reason on why it should stop.
So you already know that DST was proposed to make the most out of the daylight and conserve energy and you also know that farmers had nothing to do with DST because they dislike the idea as well but, if you didn't know that, you can read up on those little tidbits here in Tech Times. What other information do you need to know for the next time you declare that DST is not necessary or join the people who believe that DST should just be made permanent? Here are some of the reasons.
Standard Time versus Daylight Saving Time
First of all, out of the 12 months that make up a year, four months belong to the Standard Time and eight to DST, and if the definition of "standard" as "the norm" is anything to go by, what's the point of having a Standard Time if it is not even the "standard?"
Sudden shifts in sleep patterns lead to an increased risk of heart attack
Studies have shown that the few days following the time change, especially on the first Monday, heart attack cases increase by a whopping 25 percent. It's not just a risk for the elderly and those who already have heart problems, even completely healthy young people are at risk because our bodies get stressed over the abrupt change.
Accidents versus crimes
Some studies have also shown that outdoor crime rate decreases because of DST but statistics have also shown that road accidents increase. Why? It could be because many are still adjusting to the abrupt time change that our bodies are not fully alert yet even when we're on the road.
The electricity argument
One other reason for upholding the DST was its "contribution" to energy conservation but many argue that it actually increases energy consumption or that the amount of energy saved is negligible. However, if DST becomes permanent and that negligible number adds up, the long-term effect can be advantageous.
Confusion all around
DST doesn't only apply in The United States (U.S.) since some other countries enforce it with their own schedules, but when they do apply it, the whole country is with them in it. In the U.S., however, it can get confusing because not all territories use DST. In Arizona alone, there are two time zones because while most of the territory is exempt from DST, the Navajo Nation applies it.
Is there still a point to having both Standard Time and DST? You decide.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
