As the leaves begin to turn and the air cools – well, in other parts of the country at least, millions of us must set our clocks back an hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. This transition can have significant effects on our daily lives, and it sparks a lively debate about its merits and drawbacks. It also made me wonder about its history.
I had heard that the change was originally pushed by the farming community, but that isn’t correct. Over the years, the majority of farmers have either been opposed or feel it doesn’t matter at all.
DST was first introduced to save energy and make better use of daylight hours. The idea was first implemented in Germany in 1916 during World War I, and the United States followed suit in 1918. There was inconsistent usage of DST for almost 50 years until the passing of the Universal Time Act. In 1967, clocks would be advanced one hour beginning at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in April and turned back one hour at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October. States were allowed to exempt themselves from DST as long as the entire state did so.
There was a year-round, hotly debated experiment of daylight savings beginning January 6, 1974, and ending April 27, 1975. Those in favor pointed to increased daylight hours in the summer evening: more time for recreation, reduced lighting and heating demands, reduced crime, and reduced automobile accidents. The opposition was concerned about children leaving for school in the dark and morning traffic accidents. After several morning crashes involving schoolchildren in Florida, including eight children who were killed, Governor Askew asked for the year-round law to be repealed.
From 1975 through 1986, DST was observed from late April through late October, and in 1987 it was moved up to the first Sunday in April. Since 2007, clocks “spring forward” on the second Sunday of March and “fall back” the first Sunday of November.
In 2015, bills began being introduced in more than 45 states, to either end DST or make itpermanent. So far, 28 states have passed laws or resolutions trying to make daylight saving time year-round: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The states working on legislation to make standard time permanent are Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont, according to Forbes.
In 2022, the United States Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act which would have permanently activated daylight saving time, but it did not become law, because it was not approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Where do you stand on the time change debate? Let’s look at some pros and cons.
Pros of Fall Time Change
- Extra Hour of Sleep: Many welcome this small luxury, especially as the days grow shorter and darker. This additional hour can improve mood and energy levels.
- Increased Daylight in the Morning: Improved visibility enhances safety, which can be particularly advantageous for early risers and those who commute to work or school by bike or foot.
- Promotes Outdoor Activities: Having more light in the morning can promote physical activity, like morning walks or outdoor hobbies, contributing to better physical and mental health.
Cons of Fall Time Change
- Disruption of Sleep Patterns: The abrupt shift can lead to confusion, especially for children and those with strict routines and can affect productivity and focus.
- Impact on Mood and Mental Health: The sudden decrease in evening light can contribute to feelings of sadness and lethargy, as people adapt to darker evenings.
- Reduced Visibility for the Evening Commute: With the earlier sunset, it’s harder to see kids walking home from after-school activities, bicycle commuters, and vehicle drivers who forget to turn on their lights. We all need to be extra cautious!
Whether you love the time change or not, this season also brings something we can all look forward to: the 20th Annual Iron Joe Turkey Ride & Walk on December 1st at Eagle Lakes Park. It’s one of the best Sunday-After-Thanksgiving traditions! Join us for coffee and a light breakfast, then head out for a 62, 40, 20, 10 or 5-mile bike ride or a 2.5 mile walk, with well stocked rest stops along the way. When everyone returns, stay for a fun after party with lunch, beer and soft drinks, music, raffles, an expo and more. To sign up or learn more, visit
Event proceeds help fund Naples Pathways’ mission to create a safe, bikeable and walkable community. Our two keystone projects are building the Paradise Coast Trail and ending distracted driving through our Hands-Free Florida campaign and coalition. Check out www.NaplesPathways.org and www.HandsFreeFlorida.org for more information.
