Turning back the clock on Daylight Saving Time

Our clocks change twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. In the spring, an extra hour is added at night to increase the length of the day, forming what we call Daylight Saving Time (DST). Once fall rolls around, the clock goes back to Standard Time. The concept of Daylight Saving Time was brought to Canadians in 1918 with the goal of conserving energy and increasing productivity. In recent years, however, people have questioned the use of DST, and many see it as a useless tradition.

According to Harvard Health, Daylight Saving Time can pose various health risks. Sleep deprivation is a common short-term effect of DST. In fact, many people dread DST because it noticeably impacts their sleep schedule. This is especially true in the spring, when it is harder to get up for school or work. In the fall, early sunset can cause seasonal depression. Other long-term effects of DST include cluster headaches, slowed metabolism and weight gain. Daylight Saving Time can also be linked to an increase in heart attack and stroke rates due to the disruption of the body’s internal clock, which can increase stress levels (health.harvard.edu).

In 2019, there was a push to end Daylight Saving Time permanently in Manitoba. Bill 205 was introduced in 2018 and the arguments for it mirrored the risks we have already discussed: DST is highly disruptive and can cause significant health issues. The bill did not pass, however, because it was deemed necessary to be in sync with surrounding regions to maintain trade and transportation. It is unlikely that DST will be abolished until the United States leads the way.

Although the bill didn’t pass into law in 2019, the fight isn’t over. Just this past spring MLA Ron Schuler presented to the Manitoba legislature a few reasons why DST should be eliminated. Schuler suggested that this outdated practice is both pointless and disruptive. “Manitobans are tired of losing an hour of sleep and gaining nothing in return. In fact, research clearly shows that time changes increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, workplace accidents and lost productivity. It’s time to stop changing the clocks and leave this outdated practice in the past,” said Schuler. Schuler was influenced to take action on this topic after a group of farmers in Springfield persuaded him by looking to see an end in DST. The farmers’ argument was the fact that farm animals are highly dependent on routine, and anything that throws them off makes the farmers’ life more difficult.

While we may still have to live with shifting clocks in Manitoba, there are some ways that we can mitigate the effects of Daylight Saving Time. You can gradually adjust your schedule in the week leading up to the spring time change by going to bed 15-20 minutes earlier each day. Another good way to prepare for the time change would be getting a good sleep beforehand. Also, finding time to prioritize sunlight exposure on the days following the Daylight Saving Time will help your body’s internal clock get used to the new time change and help with seasonal depression. Practising good sleep hygiene — such as avoiding screentime before bed, having a consistent bedtime and waketime, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and managing stress levels — can improve sleep quality.

Though not everybody will be happy that DST will be here for the foreseeable future, keep in mind some of the tips provided above. Thinking ahead will make these transitions easier. We have time before the clock changes, so there is still a chance to get ahead of it.

» Madeleine Brown is a Grade 11 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.