Chiming in: It's time we talked about this

A majority of the country will return to standard time next week on Nov. 6. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

As the fall season approaches once again, so does standard time. However, some people want to make this be the last time it does, which is a big mistake.

Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill that would eliminate standard time permanently. It has not yet been voted on by the House of Representatives.

Daylight saving time, which starts in spring, skips our clocks ahead, resulting in us losing an hour. From the perspective of a college student, I can’t help but think of all the ways I would have used that hour, and the others I seemingly lost afterward.

Though it’s been said that it saves energy, a claim like this can be disputed. Georgia’s summer nights are often hot, humid and long thanks to “daylight saving time” causing air conditioners to continue running. We don’t have enough time to cool down and relax by the end of the day.

According to scientists of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, standard time is more in tune with the body’s natural cycle as our internal clock receives cues from sunlight. Sleep experts have concluded switching clocks back and forth isn’t great for sleeping habits, but settling on the right time is essential.

It’s been reported that farmers have said it interrupts their schedule with the animals. They must wait longer to begin the normal daytime routines. As a pet owner, I find this to be true with my dog.

I get it. The sun sets early in winter. But that’s how it is. After all, we wouldn’t try to grow crops out of season. It just wouldn’t work.

If we want more daylight in our lives and schedules, we should advocate for that in other ways instead of making such a large change. More can be done to work around the time that comes with the seasons on their own.

As people, it’s fair to say we have grown to realize that what we want, or think we might want, is not always beneficial to us. Most people would rather eat junk food than turnips. As children, it was fun to stay awake past bedtime, but as adults, we can see that isn’t the best practice. Starting the day off late and ending the night late isn’t the best idea.

The country should also be allowed the opportunity to be educated on a matter like this. Other thoughts and opinions should be considered, allowing more of us to have a say.

Afterall, there is a time for everything.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Monday, Oct. 3, 2022 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 2.