Daylight Saving Reminder: Set Your Clocks Back!

As we approach the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST), it’s time to “fall back” and turn our clocks back by one hour. On Sunday 2^nd April at 3am, the clock will be set back to 2am – giving you an extra hour of sleep!

While this annual event is meant to save energy and provide more daylight during the summer, it also has several effects on our lives and society. With recent debate about whether New Zealand should ditch DST, lets explore the pros and cons of changing the clocks.

Pros:

• Energy savings: reduces the demand for electricity later in the day, resulting in less energy consumption and lower electricity bills. 
• Increased productivity: makes better use of daylight hours.
• Improved safety: more daylight hours can improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Enhanced recreation: more time for outdoor activities. This can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and improved mental wellbeing.
• Economic Benefits: the extension of daylight hours can bring economic benefits to businesses that rely on outdoor activities or tourism, as people tend to stay out longer and spend more money. This can result in increased revenue and have a positive impact on the local economy.

Cons:

• Disrupted sleep patterns: can lead to fatigue and irritability. Additionally, this disruption can have negative health consequences, including an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents.
• Increased energy usage: with darker mornings, people tend to use more energy as they need to turn on lights and heat their homes earlier.
• Confusion and inconvenience: can be disruptive for people who work shift schedules.

DST has its benefits and drawbacks. While it can result in energy savings, increased productivity, and improved safety, it can also cause disruptions in sleep patterns leading to negative health effects. It ultimately depends on personal preference and the unique circumstance of each individual. Whether you support or oppose DST, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision that best fits your lifestyle and needs.