30/03/2026
For those of you feeling the effects of that all important one hour of sleep we lost over the weekend, did you ever wonder why we have daylight saving time?
The origin is in fact very simple; by pushing the hour forward people could make more use of sunlight in Spring, Summer and Autumn.
The idea, however, would not come into popular use until during World War I, when Germany and Austria put forward their clocks by one hour on the 1st May 1916. The main intention at this time was to preserve energy during the war period.
Although this is commonly listed as the first use of Daylight Saving Time (DST), areas across Canada had begun introducing the system as far back as 1908.
While the clocks continue to go back and forth each year, there is a debate raging behind the scenes. Those for keeping DST argue it improves road safety and also promotes more active lifestyle.
However, there are serious concerns about the negative effects of DST. Although it is only a shift of one hour, the long-term disruption to someone’s circadian rhythm, can have a huge impact on their health. Some medical professions are particularly concerned about people living with heart disease and those who already suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.
The ongoing debate has already led to a number of countries around the world removing daylight saving time.
As we get closer and closer to the closing date for this year’s Mary Mulvihill Award, could the link between Daylight Saving Time and health provide the inspiration for an entry?
You could win €2000💶.
Closing date is Tuesday 7th April at 12.25am.
Full details below: marymulvihillaward.ie/award/
University College Dublin DCU Munster Technological University Atlantic Technological University University College Cork University of Galway University of Limerick Trinity College Dublin Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies - DIAS South East Technological University Queen's University Belfast
