The welfare effects of time reallocation

Evidence from Daylight Saving Time

Dados Bibliográficos

ID9722673
AutoresJoan Costa-Font (0000-0001-7174-7919, autor correspondente), Joan Costa‐Font (London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), IZA and CESifo), Sarah Fleche (0000-0001-8927-075X, University Paris 1 Pantheon‐Sorbonne, CNRS, Sorbonne Economics Centre and Centre for Economic Performance (LSE)), Ricardo Pagan (0000-0002-7391-5127, Universidad de Málaga)
Ano2024
Volume91
Fascículo362
Páginas547-568
Data de publicação2024-04-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEconomica (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0013-0427 • E-ISSN: 1468-0335
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/ecca.12510
OpenAlexW3191478714
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas40

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a widely adopted practice implemented by over 70 countries to align sunlight with day‐to‐day activities and reduce energy demands. However, we do not have a clear knowledge of how it affects individuals' welfare. Using a regression discontinuity combined with a difference‐in‐differences design, we find that the Spring DST transition causes a significant decline in life satisfaction. By inducing a reallocation of time, the transition into DST deteriorates sleep quality and increases time stress, which in turn affects physical and emotional health. Using an event study approach, we find that such effects persist for about six days after the DST transition. Conversely, we provide evidence that the Autumn DST transition gives rise to a significant increase in life satisfaction. Finally, using a simple cost‐benefit analysis, we discuss the potential benefits of ending DST

Daylight · Demographic economics · Economics · Public economics · Regression discontinuity design · Welfare · Energy, Environment, and Transportation Policies · Impact of Light on Environment and Health · Medicine · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology