On November 6, 2022, my mood drastically became worse. It will stay that way until March 12, 2023. The cause: daylight saving time.

Daylight saving’s purpose is to save energy by getting more use out of natural light. For half the year, it stays light outside well into the evening. For the other half, it gets dark around 5 p.m.

This is wasting energy. Realistically, most people’s day is not over at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. This means a lot of lights and energy are used, defeating the purpose of daylight saving. From car lights to more house lights due to the lack of natural light, a lot of electricity is used.

It also impacts people’s moods and emotions when the sky is dark so early. It makes us want to crawl into bed at 6:00 p.m. It generates an earlier night and can lead to lost hours of productivity. The hour shift seems insignificant, but it can affect our minds and bodies. Daylight saving throws off our bodies’ natural clocks, which can impact sleep, especially during the first few days spent transitioning to the change. Changes in sleep patterns are not the only physical impact. Daylight saving has also led to depression and cluster headaches in many people.

The whole concept of daylight saving is outdated. It was implemented in America in 1975, but by 1976 it was found that daylight saving wasn’t significantly reducing energy waste at all. After taking the step to introduce it, it seems like it would just be considered extra work to abolish daylight saving.

However, I think it’s time. As of March 2022, the U.S. Senate approved the Sunshine Protection Act. This would end daylight saving and stop the twice-annual clock change. Although, the act must be passed by the House of Representatives before it gets to President Biden.

Daylight saving does not serve a purpose anymore. Energy conservation is next to nothing. The cons are overwhelming compared to the pros. With the negative impact on our minds and bodies, along with the effort and costs daylight saving causes, it is time for it to be abolished.

Audrey Trevarthan is an opinion writer. Contact her at [email protected].