By Alina Rezepova, Staff Writer
Have you ever noticed that it is already bright outside, but you feel completely exhausted, as if you have slept less? Or maybe, on the contrary, you wake up feeling so energetic and refreshed that you are glad the night was “an hour longer”?
Every November, people experience a sense of confusion when the clock is turned back by an hour. Although it may seem insignificant at first, for many students, this change has a meaningful impact on their daily lives.
“I usually take a few days to adjust to time changes. At first, I feel a little off, either more tired in the morning or less sleepy at night, but after a week or so, my body adapts,” said Haleigh Spinner, a junior in contemporary studies and medical humanities.
There are many discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of switching between winter and summer schedules.
Supporters of changing the time believe that switching to winter time helps to make the most of natural light and it makes the day seem longer because the sun appears to stay out for an hour longer than it would without changing the time.
For those students whose classes start early in the morning, this is a great advantage because they do not need to go to classes in darkness.
However, it is not that simple. Although there are supporters of changing the clocks, some argue that moving the clocks forward or backward disrupts the natural rhythm of human life. This particularly affects students, athletes, and those who work early in the morning and follow a strict routine.
“The time change makes it harder for me to get things done, but it also allows me to get more sleep. Sometimes it is harder for me to concentrate, especially in the mornings when I must get up early,” said Brianna Ortega, a sophomore student majoring in sports business.
When the body gets used to a certain sleeping and waking schedule, a sudden shift of an hour, which seems harmless, can lead to fatigue, decreased concentration, and even stress.
“The early sunset does affect my productivity. When it is dark outside before dinner, I tend to feel like the day is already over, which makes it harder to stay focused or motivated to study. I often end up relaxing earlier instead of doing schoolwork,” said Spinner.
Many students face the problem of wasting time or having trouble falling asleep. When time is reversed, evenings can feel endless, dark, and boring.
The question of whether time change is beneficial or harmful to students remains open. It is important to consider how individuals perceive these changes and how they impact their daily routines, productivity, and well-being.
For some, time changes provide an opportunity to start the day with a fresh slate and establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed earlier.
Time changes are not just about shifting the clock; they are a reminder that time is a flexible concept that is heavily influenced by an individual’s internal rhythm.
