On March 12, 2022, the clock rolled forward for possibly the last time. The Daylight Savings Bill, which would make Daylight Savings Time permanent, passed the Senate in March of 2022, but congress has yet to vote on the matter. 

Opinions from the general public on this topic are still mixed. Sleep experts support adapting to standard time because lighter mornings and darker evenings would be more in line with human circadian rhythms and would help to avert diseases, according to The Hill news. Using standard time could benefit sleep schedules, as lighter mornings assist in waking up earlier, and darker evenings stimulate easier sleep. 

In addition, 61% of Americans would prefer it if we did not have bi-annual time changes, and 44% are in favor of making Daylight Saving Time permanent as stated by CNN. A mere 13% say that they would want Standard Time all year round (which is our current status).

Students at Longfellow often come to school tired because of the early start time and they’re not looking forward to one more time springing forward. 

“In the fall it’s nice because you can save another hour of sleep,” said 7th grader Emma E. “Then in the spring you go forward in time and it feels really weird at first.”  Emma also pointed out that she would get used to it fairly quickly, but the transition can be rough.  

One drawback of not falling back again next year, though, will be the dark mornings. But most think it is worth it to miss out on losing an hour in the spring.

If the government were to stop Daylight Savings Time, I would not be disappointed. In fact, I would prefer that they did so we wouldn’t have to switch our clocks.” pointed out math teacher Joann Leme.

Students show varied opinions about the prospect of Daylight Savings Time ending. Emma shows support, saying, “I think it’s going to be good because the time change really affects lots of people.”

Seventh Grader Olivia G. will miss this bi-annual ritual, at least in the fall.

 “I actually like Daylight Savings, because, for example, when you go to a friend’s house for a sleepover, you don’t need to worry about what time you go to sleep, because you gain an extra hour,” explained Olivia.

Daylight Savings Time plays an important role in the schedules of students. Despite mixed opinions on this topic, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to make Daylight Savings Time permanent; now the House of Representatives needs to do the same.