What is Daylight Savings?
Daylight savings is an initiative designed to maximise the amount of daylight we receive each day and is usually observed in summer months. The concept dates back to Benjamin Franklin, who noted in a letter to the Journal of Paris in 1784 that shifting the clock ahead an hour could save the city nearly 1 million francs in lighting expenses.

Today, countries around the world have adopted daylight savings in some form or another. In the United States, daylight savings time (DST) begins in late March and ends in late November. In the winter, clocks “fall back” an hour, and in the summer, clocks “spring forward” one hour.

What are the Benefits of Daylight Savings?
There are a few different arguments in favour of Daylight Savings, such as:

1. Energy Savings: Daylight Savings time is said to save energy and money by taking advantage of the natural light during summer months. Studies have found that during daylight savings time, people are more likely to be outside and take part in outdoor activities, therefore consuming less electricity.

2. Safety: An extended period of daylight can help promote safety, especially on the roads. Greater visibility allows drivers to better see cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists, reducing the chances of accidents.

3. Increased Productivity: Daylight Savings gives people an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon, allowing them to spend more time outdoors working on projects or hobbies. This could also result in improved productivity in the workplace, as employees are exposed to more natural light during the day.

What Are the Disadvantages of Daylight Savings?
Although there are benefits to Daylight Savings, there are also some drawbacks that may outweigh the advantages.
1. Interrupts Circadian Rhythm: It has been suggested that Daylight Savings disrupts our internal clock, or circadian rhythm. It can confuse our brains as to when it is time to sleep, resulting in disrupted sleep cycles and sleep deprivation.

2. Affects Some Cultures: For the some cultures, for example the Amish, changing their clocks twice a year is not an ideal practice. It can interfere with their religious practices and other customs.

3. Accidents & Fatalities: while there is evidence that accidents generally decrease during Daylight Savings, some studies have linked an increase in car accidents with the changeover.

In conclusion, while there are pros and cons to daylight savings, it is a practice that is still widely used throughout the world. It is up to each individual to decide if Daylight Savings is right for them, but it is undoubtedly an important and useful practice in some countries.