As we prepare for the biannual shift of daylight saving time (DST), our latest study reveals Americans’ opinions on this time-changing tradition. From sleep disruptions to rising electricity costs, 1,000 respondents weighed in on the impact of DST on their daily lives and whether it still holds relevance today. With growing support for abolishing DST and standardizing time, we explore what the future of timekeeping could look like in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- 47% of Americans dislike daylight saving time (DST).
- 13% of Americans believe “falling back” for DST increases their electricity bills by 7%.
- 3 in 5 Americans say DST is no longer relevant and should be abolished.
- 3 in 4 Americans would support a national or global movement to standardize time and eliminate DST.
- Dislike for DST by generation:
- Baby boomers: 57%
- Gen X: 49%
- Millennials: 52%
- Gen Z: 58%
- 32% of Americans prefer to “spring forward” and gain an hour of daylight in the evening, while 25% prefer to “fall back” and gain an hour of sleep in the morning. Preference by generation is as follows (percentages with no preference are not shown):
- Baby boomers:
- “Fall back”: 16%
- “Spring forward”: 28%
- Gen X:
- “Fall back”: 21%
- “Spring forward”: 36%
- Millennials:
- “Fall back”: 27%
- “Spring forward”: 31%
- Gen Z:
- “Fall back”: 29%
- “Spring forward”: 34%
- Baby boomers:
- Americans in favor of abolishing DST by generation:
- Baby boomers: 70%
- Gen X: 70%
- Millennials: 68%
- Gen Z: 45%
- The upcoming fall DST change will affect 53% of Americans’ routines.
- How DST time changes affect the following aspects of Americans’ lives (percentages with no preference are not shown):
- Mood:
- Worsens: 47%
- Improves: 18%
- Mental health:
- Worsens: 39%
- Improves: 16%
- Sleep quality:
- Worsens: 47%
- Improves: 20%
- Productivity:
- Worsens: 41%
- Improves: 15%
- Work schedule:
- Worsens: 30%
- Improves: 12%
- Mood:
- Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) needs several days to adjust to a DST time change, and 6% need a week or longer.
- Support for a national or global movement to standardize time and eliminate DST by generation:
- Baby boomers: 70%
- Gen X: 78%
- Millennials: 77%
- Gen Z: 67%
- Believe that DST won’t be in use in 10 years by generation:
- Baby boomers: 41%
- Gen X: 45%
- Millennials: 48%
- Gen Z: 55%
Methodology
For this study, we surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore their perceptions of daylight saving time. The average age was 40, with 50% of the respondents being women and 50% being men. Generationally, 11% were baby boomers, 21% were Gen X, 48% were millennials, and 20% were Gen Z.
About Payless Power
Payless Power is a Texas energy provider that believes in making electricity accessible to all, regardless of credit history. We offer flexible, prepaid, and traditional energy plans with competitive pricing and no credit checks, empowering Texans to take control of their energy costs.
Fair Use Statement
Feel free to share the insights from our study on daylight saving time, but please credit us by linking back.
