The Time Change and Math

   This is the perfect time for using infographics and statistics.  Every November and March, we change clocks either forward one hour or back one hour.  We've been doing it for a while.  Supposedly, this move helps save energy in the summer by giving us more daylight but I'm wondering if it really does.

This would make a great research project that would culminate in a presentation, an infographic, a poster or even a comic strip.  I did some reading myself and found these facts.

1. It reduces annual energy use by 0.03% and could even increase energy consumption.

2.  Although it can lead to increased exercise among kids, it can also lead to a 10% increase in heart attacks due to the spring adjustment.

3. There is an 8% increase in traffic accidents the first Monday after the spring change due to lack of sleep.

4. Robbery rates at the spring change drop 7%.  Maybe robbers are sleeping in?
The above came from CNN news.

The Statistic Brain has some lovely stats on Daylight Savings Time in regard to electrical use.

The Better Sleep group has stats on sleep deprivation.

Even the National Geographic has information on it.

If you want an official study, check this paper out from the National Bureau of Economic Research.