Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are finding ways to cope with daylight saving time this November, bringing shorter days and disrupted daily routines.
Benjamin Franklin created daylight saving time in 1784 to conserve energy and economize candle usage. More than 200 years later, darker evenings and changing routines are the new norm.
Daylight saving time often disrupts students' sleep, leaving them feeling tired and confused. This makes it harder for students to focus in class and keep up with assignments. Just getting out of bed in the morning can become a challenge.
Senior Amaka Uzomak said she’s been thrown off by the time change, but likes having an extra hour of sleep. “I feel more energized to do the things I want to do, like go to the gym and study,” Uzomak said.
Sophomore Vanessa De La Rosa said she’s trying to keep up her routine amid the changing clocks.
“I don’t get out of class until 5:15 p.m., and it was already dark outside, so it was definitely sad to see, but I am trying not to mess up my routine as I don’t want to fall behind with myself,” De La Rosa said.
Despite having to ease into new routines and fix sleep schedules, daylight saving is here to stay. Compiled is a list of self-care things students can do to survive.
Exercise and sleep
Clock changes can disrupt your sleep schedule, especially as finals loom near. Sierra Bergan, senior, said she prioritized fixing her sleep schedule by going to bed earlier.
Similarly, students at UW-Madison shared that going to the gym was their favorite form of self-care.
“I love going to the gym as it takes my mind off of things like my classes and exams. [It]gets me in the mode of studying,’’ Uzoamak said.
Doing things you love
Students on campus can still make time for activities they enjoy despite daylight savings. Sophomore Kevin Adu said he copes with feeling tired from less daylight by watching anime or YouTube to relax when he needs to de-stress.
“Baking brings me warmth and comfort on cold days,” sophomore Paola Huerta said. ”It’s a small way to keep myself motivated through the changes that come with daylight savings.’’
Despite the sun setting at 4 p.m., there is a bright side: an extra hour of sleep. The extra hour leaves students refreshed and ready to do the things they love and put off. From going to the gym to baking, students at UW-Madison are finding ways to find comfort as the sun sets early and winter sets in.
