How Americans Really Feel About Daylight Saving Time

As clocks fall back and daylight fades earlier, many Americans are questioning whether daylight saving time still makes sense. A recent survey revealed strong opinions on the relevance, impact, and future of the biannual time change. From sleep disruptions to rising energy costs, this shift affects more than just the hour on the clock, especially for budget-conscious families trying to manage their electricity bills.

Key Takeaways

• 52% of Americans dislike daylight saving time, and 71% would support a nationwide or global movement to eliminate it.
• 2 in 3 Americans believe daylight saving time is not relevant in today’s world and should be abolished.
• 84% of Americans claim it takes at least 1 day to adjust after the clocks change, with 29% saying it takes at least one week.
• Nearly 1 in 8 Americans (12%) claim daylight saving time increases their electricity bill.

Public Opinion Is Turning Against Daylight Saving Time

• 52% of Americans dislike daylight saving time.
  • Gen Z is the least likely to dislike it (46%).
• 2 in 3 Americans believe daylight saving is not relevant in today’s world and should be abolished.
  • 39% of Gen Z think it’s still relevant, the most likely among all generations.
• 71% of Americans would support a nationwide or global movement to eliminate daylight saving time.
  • Millennials are the most likely to support this (73%).
• However, 53% of Americans believe daylight saving time will still be around 10 years from now.
  • Gen Z is the most likely to believe this (60%).
• Top reasons Americans believe daylight saving time still exists today: tradition (44%), political/legislative gridlock (19%), and business/economic reasons (12%).

The Clock Change Affects More Than Just Time

• Nearly 2 in 5 Americans (39%) admit it takes moderate or significant effort to adjust to the time change.
  • Millennials and Gen X Americans are most likely to admit this (41%).
• 84% of Americans claim it takes at least 1 day to adjust after the clocks change, while 29% say it takes at least one week.
• 56% of Americans have forgotten to adjust their clocks for daylight saving time.
  • Gen Z was the most likely to have forgotten (60%).
• 32% of Americans have been late or early for something important due to the fall daylight saving time change.
  • Millennials are the most likely to have experienced this (34%).
• 2 in 5 Americans say daylight saving time negatively impacts their mood, and 35% say it worsens their mental health.
• Nearly 1 in 8 Americans (12%) claim daylight saving time increases their electricity bill.
• 23% of Americans have taken steps to reduce their energy usage during daylight saving time.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 1,003 Americans about their thoughts and sentiments toward daylight saving time. Generationally, 8% were baby boomers, 22% were Gen X, 53% were millennials, and 17% were Gen Z.

About Payless Power

Payless Power is a Texas-based electricity provider offering affordable prepaid energy plans with no credit checks, no deposits, and same-day connection. Whether you’re adjusting to daylight savings or just trying to cut down on your monthly bills, Payless Power helps you stay on budget with flexible, pay-as-you-go options that put you in control of your energy use.

Fair Use Statement

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