Daylight Saving Time Starts Tomorrow. Here’s When the Clocks ‘Spring Forward’

Understanding Daylight Saving Time

This weekend, millions of people across the United States will lose an hour of sleep as Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins. The clocks will "spring forward" at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, marking the official start of DST. While this change disrupts sleep patterns and schedules, it also brings the promise of longer daylight hours in the afternoons, aligning with the arrival of spring and summer. For those grumbling about their lost sleep, there’s some good news: DST will remain in effect until November 2, when the clocks will "fall back" and return to standard time.

Not everyone is a fan of this semi-annual ritual. Critics argue that the time change has negative impacts on health, productivity, and overall well-being. Advocates, however, highlight the benefits of maximizing daylight during warmer months, which can boost outdoor activities, energy savings, and economic productivity. Love it or hate it, the time change is here to stay—for now.

The History of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time has a long and winding history in the United States. The concept was first introduced during World War I in 1918, but its application was inconsistent and met with resistance. It wasn’t until the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that DST was standardized across the country, with the time change occurring on the second Sunday of March and the first Sunday of November. This Act also established time zones, which were originally created during the railroad boom of the late 1800s to coordinate train schedules.

Interestingly, the U.S. experimented with year-round DST in 1974 under President Richard Nixon as a response to the energy crisis. However, the experiment was short-lived due to public dissatisfaction. People struggled with darker winter mornings, and concerns about child safety led Congress to revert to standard time later that year. Today, most states observe DST, but two exceptions are Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii, which remain on standard time year-round.

The Ongoing Debate Over Time Changes

The debate over whether to keep DST or abolish it altogether continues to rage. Sleep experts and health organizations, such as the National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, argue that the time change disrupts biological rhythms and has serious health consequences. Studies link DST to increased rates of cardiovascular events, mental health concerns, and drowsy driving. Some also point to safety issues, particularly for children walking to school or waiting at bus stops in the dark.

Politicians have weighed in on the issue, with bipartisan efforts like the Sunshine Protection Act proposing to make DST permanent. The bill passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and other lawmakers have expressed opposition to DST, calling it inconvenient and costly to the nation. Public opinion is divided, but a 2024 YouGov poll found that 63% of Americans would like to eliminate the time changes, while only 17% want to keep them.

Adjusting to the Time Change: Tips for Better Sleep

While the debate over DST continues, the time change is happening this weekend. To minimize its impact on your life, experts recommend taking proactive steps to protect your sleep health. "Good sleep hygiene" is key to résilience during this transition. This includes exposure to bright light in the morning, staying physically active during the day, eating meals at consistent times, and winding down with a relaxing bedtime routine.

Gradually adjusting your sleep schedule before the time change can also help. For example, shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by 15 minutes each day leading up to DST can make the transition smoother. On the day of the time change, getting morning sunlight can help reset your internal clock. Remember, it’s also a good time to evaluate your sleep routine and make positive changes. Sleep experts suggest that improving your sleep quality can make you more resilient to the effects of DST—and life in general.

Most importantly, don’t forget to set your clocks forward before bed on Saturday night. While losing an hour of sleep may feel frustrating, it’s a small price to pay for the longer, brighter days ahead. And who knows? The extra daylight might just inspire you to get outside, enjoy nature, and make the most of the coming seasons.

By understanding DST, its history, and its impacts, as well as taking steps to adapt to the time change, you can navigate this transition with ease. Whether you’re a fan of DST or not, one thing is certain: the clocks will keep ticking, and the sunlight will keep shining.