Ever wonder why we annually disrupt our sleep schedules to "spring forward" and then "fall back"? The answer lies in the history and purpose of Daylight Saving Time (DST).
First proposed by Benjamin Franklin (though more as a joke!), DST gained serious traction during World War I as a way to conserve energy. The idea was simple: shift clocks forward to better align waking hours with sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and freeing up fuel for the war effort.
While its energy-saving benefits are now debated, DST stuck around. Today, proponents argue it promotes outdoor recreation and reduces traffic accidents due to increased visibility. However, critics cite potential health concerns related to sleep disruption and economic costs associated with adjusting schedules. Love it or hate it, Daylight Saving Time's origins are rooted in a desire to maximize daylight and conserve resources.
