Introduction

Daylight saving time (DST) occurs twice every year during the summer and fall months. On Nov. 7, the clocks are set back one hour in what is called “fall back” and on March 7, the clocks are set forward one hour in what is called “spring forward.” All states observe daylight saving time with the exception of  Hawaii and Arizona, both of which keep standard time throughout the year. 

Daylight saving time was first introduced in the U.S.under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The act also created six time zones in the U.S. 

A common misconception is that the purpose of daylight saving time is to help farmers. However, daylight saving time was created to reduce energy costs by limiting the number of hours that people would spend with their lights on. Energy conservation is less effective today when people opt to use applications such as television sets or dishwashers. 

Currently, there is ongoing debate as to whether or not daylight saving time should continue to be implemented. Supporters of daylight saving time argue that it promotes safety by providing more daylight to pedestrians and commuters, while critics argue that it unnecessarily disrupts people’s sleeping patterns. Despite differing opinions, daylight saving time has a monumental impact on the daily lives of millions of people.