As we enter fall, we are once again subject to the biannual clock-changing ritual that is daylight savings, where Jackson-Reed students will join the masses in turning their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 5. As students grapple with the start of a new school year and a world overflowing with inconveniences, daylight savings stands as a prime example of needless meddling, and it’s high time we put an end to this absurd tradition.

First and foremost, the supposed benefits of daylight saving time (DST) have been debunked time and time again. Daylight savings enthusiasts argue that it saves energy, but numerous studies have shown that potential energy savings are minimal, if not entirely nonexistent. The minor adjustments in lighting and heating usage are overshadowed by the inconvenience and confusion that DST causes all over the country. 

Furthermore, DST has an alarming negative impact on teenagers. Studies have consistently shown that the disruption to sleep patterns caused by the biannual time changes leads to detrimental consequences for adolescents. This sleep deprivation has a multitude of effects, including decreased academic performance, heightened irritability, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents among teen drivers during the days following the change.   

Many studies also show that when we set the clocks back an hour, many find it difficult to adjust to the sudden loss of daylight in the evening. This can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by the change in seasons. 

The economic costs of DST are also significant. The chaos caused by the time change disrupts schedules and can lead to a decrease in productivity. Studies show that the “spring forward” time change results in a 6% increase in workplace injuries due to sleep-deprived employees. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a threat to our well-being and economic stability.

Fall daylight saving is a pointless, outdated practice that causes more harm than good. It disrupts our lives, harms our health, and has negligible benefits. It’s high time we put an end to this absurdity and embrace a future where we can leave our clocks alone once and for all.