Daylight saving time 2025: Here’s when you should set your clocks forward

Spring Forward: Daylight Saving Time 2025 is Just Around the Corner

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is set to begin in Canada on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 a.m. local time. This means Canadians will "spring forward" by setting their clocks one hour ahead on the night of Saturday, March 8. While losing an hour of sleep can be a bit inconvenient, the switch marks the beginning of longer daylight hours in the spring and summer months. Most people will adjust their manual devices before bed, but those with smartphones, smartwatches, and other digital devices can expect an automatic update. It’s always a good idea to double-check these devices on March 9 to ensure everything is accurate.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time is the practice of temporarily advancing clocks during the summer months by one hour so that people can make the most of the sunlight during their waking hours. In Canada, DST typically lasts from March to November. By moving the clock forward in March, we enjoy more daylight in the evenings during the warmer months. Conversely, in November, we "fall back" by setting our clocks back one hour to regain that lost hour in the mornings. However, not all regions in Canada observe DST. Areas like Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and parts of Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia remain on standard time year-round.

Historical Roots and Purpose of DST

The concept of DST dates back to the early 1900s and was originally implemented during wartime as a measure to conserve energy. By shifting work schedules, employers could delay turning on lights until later in the workday, reducing energy consumption. Michael Antle, a psychology professor at the University of Calgary, explains that the idea was also to provide people with more leisure time in the evenings during the long summer days. However, with modern energy-efficient lighting, the need for DST has diminished, and studies now highlight its negative impacts. Antle notes that the practice disrupts our natural body clocks, forcing people to adjust their sleep and work schedules, which can lead to various health issues.

Health Risks Associated with DST

The benefits of DST are widely debated, and research increasingly points to its negative effects on health. Sleep researchers in the UK have even called for the abolishment of DST due to its impact on sleep regulation. A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that the start of DST in March can negatively interfere with sleep patterns. Roger Godbout, a clinical psychologist at the Sleep Laboratory in Montreal, adds that people lose nearly an hour of sleep during DST transitions. This loss is attributed to exposure to light later in the day, which can act as a stimulant and make falling asleep more difficult. Godbout suggests that making the fall time change permanent, which would provide more morning light, would be more beneficial for overall health and sleep quality.

Cardiovascular Risks and Other Health Concerns

Beyond sleep disruption, DST transitions have been linked to other serious health issues. A 2019 report in the Journal of Clinical Medicine analyzed seven studies involving over 100,000 participants and found an increased risk of heart attacks in the weeks following both the spring and fall DST changes. These findings underscore the potential cardiovascular risks associated with the time shift. Such studies add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the negative effects of DST may outweigh its original benefits, particularly in modern society where energy conservation is less reliant on daylight saving practices.

Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons of DST

As Canada prepares to "spring forward" on March 9, 2025, it’s important to consider both the inconveniences and the potential health impacts of DST. While the practice was once seen as a way to conserve energy and enhance leisure time, its relevance in today’s world is increasingly questioned. The loss of sleep, disruption of circadian rhythms, and associated health risks are significant concerns that warrant a closer examination of whether DST remains beneficial or if it’s time to rethink this long-standing tradition.