Suveajavöönde

Suveajavöönde, also known as daylight saving time (DST) or summer time, is the practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that darkness falls at a later hour of the day. The primary purpose is to make better use of daylight. When clocks are moved forward, people typically wake up and go to bed earlier in relation to the sun. This can lead to perceived benefits such as reduced energy consumption, fewer traffic accidents, and decreased crime rates.

The concept of daylight saving time has been debated and implemented in various forms throughout history. In the early 20th century, several countries considered or adopted the practice. For example, Germany and its ally Austria-Hungary were the first to implement DST nationwide in 1916 during World War I as a measure to conserve coal. Many other countries soon followed suit. In the United States, DST was first introduced nationally in 1918 but was repealed after the war. It was reinstated during World War II and later standardized by the Uniform Time Act of 1966, although states could opt out.

The shift typically occurs in the spring, when clocks are moved forward by one hour, and reverts in the autumn, when clocks are moved back. The exact dates vary by country and region. While DST is widely practiced, its effectiveness and benefits are still a subject of discussion and research. Some argue that the energy savings are minimal or non-existent, and the disruption to sleep patterns can have negative health consequences. As a result, some jurisdictions have considered or abolished DST.