Daylight Saving Time is not best solution

A letter to the editor printed November 13 advocated strongly for the adoption of the “Sunshine Protection Act,” which seeks to establish in the United States Daylight Saving Time for the entire year. We currently have extended Daylight Saving Time to eight months of the year, returning to Standard Time for only the winter months.

The author of the letter claims that polls support doing away with the twice-per-year changes in switching between Daylight Saving and Standard Time. But such poll results do not necessarily equate to support for year-round Daylight Saving Time, and may suggest reverting to year-round Standard Time is what is preferred.

Daylight Saving Time in winter months would result in very late sunrise, meaning school children must go to school in the dark. Daylight Saving Time is at odds with the natural circadian cycle of normal sleep and wakefulness. Adherence to this natural biological schedule has been associated with increased traffic safety, improved student performance and reduced work absenteeism.

It seems to me that if individuals prefer an earlier start to the day with earlier recreation time, employers can adjust work schedules individually, rather than requiring the entire population follow an unnatural schedule for the sake of those wishing for longer daylight in the afternoon.

DAVID WOERNER

Hills of Texas Trail