Daylight saving time (DST) should be abolished because there are too many negative consequences AND “the economic rationale for daylight saving has largely gone” according to The Times journalist, Tom Whipple. I agree with him. In fact I’ve agreed with him for decades!
Daylight saving time is implemented in many countries. Most European countries observe DST. In North America DST is observed in most parts of that continent. In South America, Chile and Paraguay follow DST. Australia observes DST in some regions. Most of Africa and Asia do not observe DST and in other regions it’s observed sometimes such as in Cuba and Greenland. So it’s widespread.
But when we put the clocks forward by one hour in order to try and make better use of longer daylight available, we lose one hour’s sleep. And we force our bodies to be out of sync with the natural rhythms of daylight. We are out of sync with the sun for six months every year.
According to some chronobiologists (see section below) this can lead to mental health issues throught the year.
There appear to be hidden negative consequences for this which have not been fully assessed. Some have been assessed recently in a study published in the journal Current Biology.
Below are some of the findings of this study.
- There were 6% more road deaths in the United States annually in the week after the clocks went forward. This consequence has not been replicated apparently in other countries.
- Most experts agree that there are more cardiovascular deaths after DST is implemented.
- Heart attacks went up by 25% in one study after DST was implemented.
- There are sometimes unmeasurable subtle consequences which are yet to be analysed and discovered.
- An American study called “Sleepy Punishers Are Harsh Punishers” analysed the judgements handed down in criminal courts. The sentences after the clocks went forward were 5% longer in prison than otherwise is the case.
- Another study found that stock markets were less efficient after the clocks went forward because of impaired judgements by traders.
In another study, the London School of Economics (LSE) suggest that when you take into account the health and welfare impacts, some of which are mentioned above, the argument for daylight saving time becomes tenuous and it might be costing us more than £600 per person per year.
Tom Whipple states that over the past five years major sleep research societies in Europe and in America have called for the abolition of DST.
Cats!?
Can I bring into this discussion the domestic cat? I feel I have to. If it is agreed that DST results in impaired judgement immediately after its implementation and perhaps for several days thereafter and indeed for the entire time that it is in place, it must, subtly, affect our relationship with our domestic cat companions in ways perhaps that are unknown to us. But impaired judgements can lead to negative consequences both for people and their cat companions because cats live in the human world obviously and what we do affects them.
Is daylight saving time worth it? Some more arguments for and against.
The debate over daylight saving time (DST) has been ongoing for years. Let’s explore some arguments for and against it:
Arguments in Favor of DST:
- Energy Conservation: Proponents argue that DST reduces energy consumption by extending daylight hours in the evening. With more daylight, people may use artificial lighting and heating less, leading to energy savings.
- Economic Benefits: Longer daylight hours encourage outdoor activities, shopping, and tourism. This can boost local economies and benefit businesses.
- Safety: More daylight in the evening may reduce accidents and crime rates. Visibility is better, especially during rush hour.
Arguments Against DST:
- Disruption: Changing clocks twice a year can disrupt sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and overall well-being. Some studies suggest an increase in heart attacks and strokes around the time of clock changes.
- Minimal Energy Savings: Critics argue that the energy savings from DST are minimal in modern times. Advances in lighting technology and lifestyle changes have reduced the impact.
- Inconvenience: Adjusting clocks can be confusing and inconvenient. It affects schedules, transportation, and communication across time zones.
- Agriculture and Livestock: DST can disrupt farming and livestock routines. Animals don’t adjust their internal clocks, leading to challenges for farmers.
In the end, whether DST is “worth it” depends on individual perspectives, cultural norms, and regional considerations. Some countries have abolished DST altogether, while others continue to observe it. Ultimately, the decision lies with policymakers and the public. 🌞⏰
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What is a chronobiologists?
A chronobiologist is an expert in the field of chronobiology. Chronobiology is a fascinating branch of biology that investigates timing processes in living organisms. Let’s delve into the details:
- Definition: Chronobiology examines periodic (cyclic) phenomena in organisms, including their adaptation to solar and lunar rhythms. These cycles are known as biological rhythms.
- Biological Rhythms: These rhythms occur in various essential biological processes:
- Animals: Activities like eating, sleeping, mating, hibernating, migration, and cellular regeneration follow biological rhythms.
- Plants: Leaf movements, photosynthetic reactions, and other processes exhibit rhythmic patterns.
- Microorganisms: Even fungi, protozoa, and certain bacteria display biological rhythms.
- Circadian Rhythm: The most well-studied rhythm is the circadian rhythm, which spans approximately 24 hours. It influences physiological processes in all organisms. The term “circadian” comes from Latin, meaning “around a day.” Circadian rhythms are regulated by internal circadian clocks.
- Types of Circadian Activity:
- Diurnal: Organisms are active during the daytime.
- Nocturnal: Organisms are active at night.
- Crepuscular: Some animals, like domestic cats and white-tailed deer, are primarily active during dawn and dusk hours.
- Beyond Circadian Rhythms: While circadian rhythms are endogenously regulated, other biological cycles may be influenced by external signals. For instance, multi-trophic systems may exhibit rhythms driven by the circadian clock of one member, which can also be influenced by external factors. Even bacteria show circadian-like rhythms.
In summary, chronobiologists explore the intricate dance of time within living organisms, unraveling the mysteries of their internal clocks and rhythmic patterns. 🌿⏰🔬