Sunday, March 9 was a special day for many in southeastern Wisconsin. The annual day light savings “Spring forward” caused clocks across Wisconsin to jump ahead an hour. As a result, the mornings are a bit darker and the sunlight lasts longer into the evening. Many locals have rejoiced that the sun has finally begun to set after 7 p.m.
The tradition was first practiced in Canada in 1908 until it was adopted across the United States in 1918. Back then, it was a way to help conserve resources during World War I. By prolonging the amount of daylight, gas could be preserved for the war effort. However, many farmers had trouble adjusting their routine oriented livestock to the change. In 2025, over a hundred years after daylight savings was first implemented, why has it stuck around?
Why Some Prefer Daylight Savings
One of the biggest arguments for keeping daylight savings is that it extends the amount of daily sunlight. The winter months in Wisconsin can be difficult. The shortest days of the year see less than nine full hours of sunlight. Additionally, cold temperatures make it difficult for people to get outside. When summer rolls around, the longest days see over fifteen hours of sunlight. When the clocks spring forward, it allows for people to take advantage of these sunlit days.
The prolonged daylight hours can therefore be beneficial to peoples’ health. In the Lake Country area, biking on the Ice Age Trail or going for walks in Naga-Waukee Park can’t come fast enough. With more daylight hours, there’s more opportunities for residents to get outside and appreciate all that the community has to offer. The extra sunshine can also help local businesses, especially those closest to the lakes. Longer summer evenings means more time to sip, stroll, and stop for a quick bite around town.
Why Some Are Ready To Ditch Daylight Savings
While all those benefits certainly seem great, there are a few downsides to daylight savings. Perhaps the most easily identifiable is how it throws off many peoples’ schedules. Moving the clocks forward disrupts a human’s circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are important for getting quality sleep that replenishes energy. When these rhythms are broken, they lead to a drop in productivity and a potential for migraines and metabolic issues.
People with mood disorders may suffer the worst, as the loss of extra morning light can negatively affect mental health. Further, the loss of sunlight in the morning can be difficult for those waking up early for their jobs. Known as “Sleepy Monday”, the day after the clocks move forward often sees a drop in productivity.
Will It Be Changed?
The extra cups of coffee sold this morning show that as of 2025, daylight savings has not yet gone away. The debate over its existence has long been a part of American culture. In December 2024, President Donald Trump announced online that he wished to “Eliminate daylight savings time”. It will end on November 2, 2025. At least for this summer, the lakes will see the sunset as late as 9 p.m.
