5 Simple Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time (DST) is an adjustment of the clock to provide longer daylight hours during the summer. This year, it starts on March 12th, 2022, in the United States. The practice of DST began as an idea to conserve energy during World War I. Germany was the first country to adopt DST in 1916, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States in 1918.
The concept of DST is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who jokingly proposed the idea in 1784. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the idea was seriously considered. In 1895, New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society, in which he suggested a two-hour shift of the clocks to allow for more time for bug hunting in the summer evenings.
In 1905, British builder William Willett independently proposed the idea of DST as a way to save energy and make better use of daylight. He published a pamphlet, “The Waste of Daylight,” in which he advocated advancing the clock by 80 minutes in four increments during April and May and reversing the process during September and October.
Although Willett’s proposal received some support, it was not adopted until 1916 when Germany implemented DST to conserve fuel during World War I. The United Kingdom and the United States followed suit in 1918. After the war, most countries abandoned DST, but it was reintroduced during World War II and has been in use in many countries ever since.
Today, DST is observed in more than 70 countries worldwide, including most of North America, Europe, and parts of South America and Asia. However, some countries, such as Japan and China, do not observe DST, while others have recently abolished it, citing health concerns and disruptions to sleep patterns.
DST has an interesting history and has been around for over a century. It is still a controversial topic, with debates about its benefits and drawbacks. However, for now, we can look forward to longer daylight hours during the upcoming summer months.
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Avoid caffeine:
Steer clear of caffeine for at least six hours before bedtime this weekend. This is a good habit to adopt regularly, but especially crucial when adjusting to a new sleep schedule.
Limit alcohol:
Even one drink can negatively impact the quality of your sleep. Consider abstaining from alcohol for the first few days of daylight saving time.
Create a sleep-friendly environment:
Ensure your bed is a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep by making it with fresh, clean sheets. It’s also essential to remove electronic devices like phones and tablets from your bedroom.
