Introduction
Twice a year, Americans are faced with the arbitrary task of changing their clocks in accordance with Daylight Savings Time (DST). While some argue that this practice helps conserve energy, others believe it disrupts their normal routines and sleep cycles. If you’re one of those people who despise DST, you may be surprised to learn that some U.S. states choose not to participate. In this article, we’ll explore which states do not have Daylight Savings Time, the reasons for their decision, and the impact on residents.
Roundup of the States
Out of the 50 states in the U.S., only two states, Arizona and Hawaii, do not observe Daylight Savings Time. However, certain territories and islands, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, also opt out of DST. It’s important to note that not all states who do not observe DST made the decision for the same reasons. States like Indiana and Michigan only recently switched to observing DST, while Arizona has never followed DST. The majority of these states are located in the Midwest or Southwest regions of the country.
Top 5 No DST States
While only two states outright reject DST, there are five states in the continental U.S. that don’t observe DST. Here are the top 5 no DST states:
- Arizona
- Hawaii
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Washington
Arizona and Hawaii lead the way as the only two states that never observe DST. The other three states on this list used to observe DST but eliminated it at some point. For example, Alaska voted to stop participating in DST in 1967 in order to match their local sun time better. Oregon and Washington eliminated DST in the 1940s due to lack of support from residents.
The Pros and Cons of Eliminating DST
While the idea of eliminating DST may sound appealing to some, it’s important to consider both the potential benefits and downsides. On the one hand, eliminating DST could potentially lead to energy savings and improved sleep patterns. Studies show that disruptions in our sleep cycles can lead to negative impacts on our mental and physical health. However, on the other hand, eliminating DST could potentially disrupt travel schedules and negatively impact business operations. In fact, some travel industry experts argue that eliminating DST could lead to confusion and scheduling difficulties.
In 2020, California residents voted to potentially eliminate DST, but the proposition has yet to be approved by lawmakers. Colorado and Massachusetts have also considered similar proposals in the past. These states would join Arizona and Hawaii in opting out of DST entirely.
Historical Changes to DST
The idea of Daylight Savings Time was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918 as a way to conserve energy during World War I. However, the practice wasn’t standardized nationwide until the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Since then, many U.S. states have made the decision to opt-out of DST for various reasons. For example, Indiana did not observe DST until 2005 in an effort to align with other states in the eastern time zone. Michigan followed suit in 2006.
Some notable political or societal factors have also influenced changes to DST. For example, during the 1970s energy crisis, President Nixon instituted year-round DST, which was quickly repealed due to negative backlash from the public.
Filling in the Hour
Residents in no DST states are afforded an extra hour of daylight during the summer months. Some may choose to spend this time outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, or biking. Others may use it as an opportunity to relax and unwind with friends and family.
Interestingly, residents in no DST states may approach the extra hour differently than those in states that observe DST. In 2019, researchers from the University of Washington found that residents of Seattle, which observes DST, were more active during the evenings, while those in Phoenix, which doesn’t observe DST, were more active during the mornings.
Daylight Saving Health Benefits
Recent studies suggest that eliminating DST could have positive effects on both physical and mental health. For example, a 2019 study found that areas of Indiana that did not observe DST had lower rates of heart attacks compared to areas that did. Similarly, a 2021 study found a correlation between DST and increased rates of depression.
Eliminating DST could also lead to improved sleep patterns, which can have significant impacts on our physical and mental well-being. Individuals who struggle with sleep disorders may find that eliminating DST helps regulate their sleep schedule.
How Travel is Impacted
No DST states can present unique challenges, particularly for those who regularly travel across state lines. For example, if you live in a DST state and you’re planning a trip to Arizona, you’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly to ensure that you don’t miss important activities or appointments. This can also be true for business travelers who have to coordinate with colleagues in other time zones.
While traveling to a no DST state can be a disruption, changing time zones is already a common part of travel. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it’s important to plan ahead and be aware of the potential impact that DST or lack thereof may have on your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while only a handful of U.S. states don’t observe DST, the decision not to participate is one that can have significant impacts on residents. While there may be potential benefits to eliminating DST, there are also downsides to consider, particularly when it comes to travel and business operations. If you’re living in a state that doesn’t observe DST, make sure to take advantage of that extra hour of daylight, whether it’s exercising, spending time with family, or simply relaxing. And if you’re living in a state that does observe DST and you’re not a fan of the time change, consider advocating for a change to state legislation.