The switch to daylight saving, that little twist of the hands which is done on the Saturday-to-Sunday evening at the end of March, is a far more profound event than one would realise. It is less a matter of ‘losing’ an hour of sleep and more a matter of gaining an hour of light, an hour of living, an hour of well-being. Such transition then leads to a series of reactions that shape our body, our mind, and our social life, with benefits ranging from physical health to mental well-being and energy savings.
Sunlight is our main circadian controller of the sleep-wake cycle, endocrine secretion and numerous other crucial processes. Daylight saving time, by inserting daylight hours in the day, introduces enhanced synchronisation of the internal clock, with beneficial effects on sleep, mood and energy. Sunlight triggers the release of the sleep hormone and the mood hormone, which are melatonin and serotonin, respectively. Because of this, during summer, everyone says that they feel more energised, are happier and sleep better. In addition, sun exposure triggers the release of the healthy bone hormone vitamin D, the immune system and the nervous system.
Physical activity and cardiovascular health
Warm, extended days encourage us to be outside longer, exercise and reap the benefits of physical exercise. Exercise regularly, as we all know well, also encourages cardiovascular health because it can reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, and render the heart robust and immune to cardiovascular disease. Daylight saving time, therefore, creates a positive feedback cycle: the lighter, the more exercise, and the more exercise, the healthier and more energised we become.
Morning sunlight is necessary to regulate our metabolism. It activates us and gets us more alert and able to face the day. Having a proper, nutrition-based breakfast during morning hours when our body is in full action stimulates the metabolism and allows us to digest efficiently. Daylight saving time, therefore, helps us maintain a metabolic balance and stick to healthier eating habits, reducing the danger of hunger pangs, night-time eating and other such activities that can play havoc with our weight and well-being.
Socialisation, emotional attachment and mental well-being
More extended and warmer days push us out, interact with acquaintances and kin, and participate in social gatherings. Socialising is a spontaneous part of our psychological and emotional health. Socialisation ties human beings emotionally together, makes them feel like a part of the community and eases stress. Summer, therefore, pulls at the social rope, bringing along favourable interactions and experiencing moments which are beneficial for our psychological health. Apart from personal advantage, daylight saving time is also beneficial on a large scale, having the potential to help in energy conservation and the protection of the environment. By utilising daylight for an extra hour per day, the consumption of electrical power is reduced with the reduced utilisation of greenhouse gases.
What happens if we do not have daylight saving time?
Not observing daylight saving time means a radical shift in daily routine, and that would manifest itself primarily as reduced daylight hours experienced in the evening time of spring and summer. The reduction would lead to reduced outdoor activities, leisure time and post-work socialization possibilities, which would affect the living conditions of the majority. The effect would also affect exercise, as reduced exposure to night-time light would have the effect of discouraging outdoor exercise, affecting cardiovascular health and overall health. In addition, the lack of sunlight required for vitamin D synthesis may have a negative effect on bone and immune function.
On an emotional level, decreased exposure to light during the late afternoon may result in worsening mood and susceptibility to mood disorders, including seasonal depression, due to sunlight’s function in serotonin regulation. On an energy and cost side, giving up summertime would mean increased electricity usage for lighting needs with the associated increase in cost to the individual and company and an increase in environmental impact. Lastly, failure to adjust to summertime would translate into disharmony with the natural circadian rhythm, which would be inconvenient and unbalanced, notably for travellers and shift workers.
