Much of the United States moved into daylight saving time (DST) on March 10 by turning their clocks ahead one hour. For the next several days, loss of sleep and general confusion will be the result for many. Adapting to the loss of an hour breeds a special type of mental confusion and disruption of the body's rhythms.
The Better Sleep Council conducted a survey on daylight saving time in February that described some of the effects of the "spring ahead." The first Monday after the change means additional effort for 61 percent of those surveyed. Mood changes were reported by 39 percent. And, an astonishing 40 percent told the survey that it took them a week or more to get over the effects of the loss of an hour. Women and young adults are most affected by DST. Forgetfulness, tardiness and inexplicable behavior were among the symptoms that respondents blamed on the time change.
Not every state practices daylight saving time. It is not even a Federal law, according to the National Geographic. The law does establish a beginning date and an ending date for those states and portions of states that choose to move time forward and back.
A Rasmussen Reports national survey found that only 37 percent of Americans think that daylight saving time is worthwhile. This is down from 45 percent one year ago. The survey found that 19 percent were unsure of the value of DST and 45 percent did not think the practice was worth the trouble.
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