Every year, across the country, students lose an hour of sleep when Daylight Saving Time occurs in the spring. It might not seem like a big deal, but the change can have a big difference in sleep schedules, school performance, and overall health.
Disrupting Sleep Patterns
Sleep is key for all students and many already struggle to get enough rest because of school start times, homework, and extracurricular activities. Losing an hour of sleep can throw off a student’s internal clock and mess up their flow, making it harder to wake up and stay focused in class. Junior Maddy Uglick has personal experience with this saying, “It always messes me up the first few days.” Research has shown that even a small disruption in sleep can lead to increased grogginess, difficulty concentrating, and lower scores.
Effects on Mental and Physical Health
Lack of sleep doesn’t just affect academic performance, but it can also impact mental and physical health. Students who don’t get enough sleep may experience increased stress levels, mood swings, and even an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Senior Savelio Hegstad has strong opinions on the matter saying, “Get rid of it. It was beneficial back then, but I don’t think it has a use anymore.”
Morning Darkness and Safety Concerns
One of the problems with Daylight Saving Time is that students often have to get up and travel to school in the dark. This can be dangerous, especially for students who are newer to driving. I study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has shown there is increased pedestrian accidents after the transition, showing that drivers and students struggle to adjust to the time change.
Conclusion
While the afternoon sunshine may feel enjoyable, the transition to Daylight Saving Time has real-world implications for students. While discussions continue on about whether or not it should remain or depart, however, students, parents, and educators need to grasp and counteract its effects. In the meantime, however, embracing healthy sleeping habits can help keep students alert and able to concentrate, no matter the hour.
