Daylight Saving Time: Soon to be a thing of the past?

Each autumn, as clocks in Europe and many other parts of the world "fall back" an hour, millions of people are reminded of the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). 

Though initially introduced to save energy by aligning waking hours with daylight, recent studies show DST has little measurable impact on energy conservation. And growing research now suggests that the social, health, and economic impacts of DST could outweigh its marginal benefits.

When was Daylight Saving Time first used?

Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in Europe as an energy-saving measure during World War I. The logic behind the change was to reduce fuel consumption, particularly coal, by taking advantage of natural daylight for a greater portion of the day. The practice was abandoned after the war but reintroduced in various forms over the next several decades, especially during the 1970s oil crisis. 

In 2002, the European Union mandated a standardized DST policy across member states, requiring clocks to spring forward on the last Sunday in March and fall back on the last Sunday in October. Since then, the policy has continued, though it has come under increasing scrutiny for its efficacy and necessity in the modern age.

Does Daylight Saving Time really save energy?

One of the primary arguments in favor of DST has always been that it reduces energy consumption. However, recent studies have cast doubt on DST's effectiveness in energy conservation:

• Charles University Study: Researchers in Czechia found that DST in Slovakia resulted in energy savings equivalent to just 0.8 percent of annual electricity consumption. Such minor savings raise the question of whether the benefits justify the social and economic costs of clock changes.

• Italian Society of Environmental Medicine: This organization calculated that extending DST by a month would save only about $75 million annually—a marginal amount compared to the country's overall energy expenditure. Such figures suggest that the impact of DST on energy bills is modest at best.

• United States Department of Transportation: A study conducted in the U.S. in 1975 found a mere 1 percent reduction in national energy usage, a figure that has likely diminished further as energy usage patterns have evolved. With many people waking before sunrise, energy saved in the evening often merely shifts to energy used in the morning.

Does Daylight Saving Time have health costs?

Beyond the energy debate, a growing body of research highlights DST's impact on human health. By disrupting the body's circadian rhythm, or internal biological clock, DST can lead to increased health risks and decreased productivity. Studies show that sudden shifts in time can have detrimental effects on sleep patterns, mental and physical health.

• Sleep disruption: Studies have shown that even a one-hour shift can significantly disturb sleep, resulting in sleep loss, insomnia and a decrease in sleep quality. Sleep disruption is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and weakened immune response. Dr. Megan Crawford, a senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, highlights that people are "burning the candle at both ends," often losing sleep during both the spring and fall time changes.

• Heart attack and stroke risk: Meta-analyses reveal a noticeable spike in heart attacks and strokes immediately following DST transitions. One study in Finland showed a marked increase in stroke-related hospitalizations following clock changes, likely due to increased stress and circadian disruption.

• Mental health and mood disturbances: Research links DST to a rise in mental health issues, particularly depressive symptoms and mood disturbances. Vulnerable populations, including those prone to seasonal affective disorder, are especially impacted. Studies also indicate a brief increase in suicide rates following the start of DST in the spring.

Has anyone pushed for abolition of Daylight Saving Time?

Given the limited energy benefits and the tangible health risks, momentum is growing for ending DST in favor of permanent standard time, particularly in Europe. 

In 2018, the European Commission proposed scrapping seasonal time changes, spurred by an online consultation in which an overwhelming 84 percent of EU respondents voted in favor of the change. Support was strongest in northern and eastern Europe, with nearly 95 percent of Finns and Poles calling for an end to DST. However, despite this strong public backing and the European Parliament's vote in favor of abolishing DST, the European Council has yet to implement the change.

The EU's struggle to abolish DST can be attributed to divergent opinions among member states regarding which time zone should be adopted permanently. Some countries favor year-round summer time for longer evening daylight, while others advocate for standard time, which would align more closely with natural daylight hours. This division has left DST in a legislative deadlock, with policymakers hoping to reach a consensus before revisiting the proposal.

Looking ahead: Will Europe abolish Daylight Saving Time?

The debate over DST shows no signs of fading away. While European Parliament members, such as Anna Cavazzini, continue to push for the abolition of DST, the process remains complex, entangled in disagreements among member states. Public opinion continues to favor ending DST, and the European Commission has pledged to keep the matter on its agenda. If the EU can reach a consensus, it may finally abolish DST.