Daylight Saving Time (DST), sometimes called Daylight Savings Time, is the annual tradition of changing clocks done twice a year. Some people refer to it as spring forward since during springtime, countries, and states following DST move their clocks one hour forward. Meanwhile, during fall, they need to set their clocks one hour backward and refer to it as fall back. During this time, people often ask what time is it due to the change of time. If you search online, the primary reason why many countries and states observe daylight saving time is to conserve energy. People who propose DST believe that having additional daylight hours could also boost work productivity. In this article, let's find out whether this is a truth or just a myth. 

The Myths About Daylight Saving Time

Some people are in favor of having Daylight Saving Time, while others do not support it. That's why you'll find some countries observing this annual tradition while others have disregarded it. The reason why some places have eliminated DST varies from state to state, considering energy use and health implications. If you are wondering whether Daylight Saving Time is beneficial, listed below are some of the common myths that your could be thinking they are true, but actually, they are not: 

Daylight Saving Time saves energy.

As mentioned earlier, people who are in favor of DST believe that it can help people save energy. With the additional daylight hours, people would use less electricity during the night. According to a 2008 study by the Department of Energy, Daylight Saving Time reduces annual energy use by about 0.03%. However, in the same year, a study from the University of California-Santa Barbara found it might increase energy consumption. 

DST does not pose health risks.

What do you think is the reason why some countries and states are eliminating the annual tradition? If you think it's because of the health risks, you are right. The clock changes can disturb the circadian rhythm of people, which refers to the sleep cycle. Having an imbalance with the circadian rhythm can increase the risks of heart-related diseases. It can also lead to sleep disorders.

According to a University of Alabama at Birmingham study, heart attacks have risen following Daylight Saving Time. A University of Alabama at Birmingham expert said that the time change is not necessarily good for your health. UAB Associate Professor Martin Young, Ph.D., in the Division of Cardiovascular Disease, explained that Monday and Tuesday after moving the clocks ahead one hour in March is associated with a 10 percent increase in the risk of having a heart attack. "The opposite is true when falling back in October. This risk decreases by about 10 percent," he added.

It's "saving" and not "savings."

Some people are confused about whether to call it Daylight Saving Time or Daylight Savings Time. Though you might hear other individuals use the latter, the proper term is Daylight Saving Time. So if you will use the term in the future, make sure you use the right one.

Daylight Saving Time is pro-farmers.

The idea that farmers love and enjoy Daylight Saving Time is not valid. Although it adds additional daylight hours, it does not necessarily mean that DST can boost productivity. According to CNN, many farmers have fought against the proposals, arguing they cut productivity and made their life more challenging. "If you want to cut off 25 percent of the productiveness of the American farmer, just keep this law on the books," Prerau quoted during an effort to repeal daylight saving time in 1919.

DST is observed in all American states and Canadian provinces.

Just because many American states observe DST, it does not mean that the whole country favors Daylight Saving Time. This also goes with Canada, which some people think that the whole country observes DST. The truth is, not all American states and Canadian provinces follow the annual tradition. For instance, Arizona (except for Navajo Nation) and Hawaii do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Meanwhile, in Canada, Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, some locations in Québec, Southampton Island, and some British Columbia areas don't follow Daylight Saving Time. This means that these areas stay on standard time all year. 

Daylight Saving Time is a popular annual tradition. Although it has been practiced for many years, it doesn't mean that doing it is necessary. With studies explaining DST's adverse effects, some countries and states are on the move to eliminate the clock changing. If you live in a state or time zone where there is still DST (for example: eastern time zone), it would be best to keep updated with the time changes.