Daylight Saving Time Returns: Get Ready to Spring Forward

CHICAGO, Ill. — Daylight saving time (DST) will begin in the U.S. on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time, prompting a shift when clocks ‘spring forward’ by one hour. This change means that sunrise and sunset will occur an hour later, effectively lengthening the evening daylight hours and providing more time for outdoor activities.

Only Hawaii and most of Arizona, excluding the Navajo Nation, do not observe daylight saving time along with U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The introduction and longstanding practice of DST have generated ongoing discussions regarding its necessity and impact on public health.

Benjamin Franklin is often mistakenly credited with originating daylight saving time. However, the practice primarily emerged from the need for standardized time zones adopted in 1883 to alleviate confusion for railroads, according to historical records. Congress established time zones and DST during World War I for energy conservation. Though DST was repealed after the war, it was reintroduced amid concerns surrounding inconsistent local observances.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST for most states while allowing exemptions for states that choose not to participate. The Department of Transportation oversees these timekeeping regulations and has permitted ongoing adjustments to time zone boundaries, with notable changes as recent as 2010.

While proponents claim that DST reduces electricity consumption and promotes economic activities, critics argue that it disrupts sleep patterns, leading to potential health risks. Studies suggest a correlation between the time change and increased incidents of heart attacks and strokes.

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to end the twice-yearly clock change and maintain daylight saving time year-round. However, the bill stalled in the House, leaving many advocates for the change disappointed.

“The biannual clock change has been a source of contention with health benefits and economic advantages touted by its supporters,” said a spokesperson for the act. Federal lawmakers continue to discuss the implications of a year-round switch, but progress remains slow.

According to recent surveys, approximately 20 states have advanced legislations aimed at adopting permanent daylight saving time. These efforts highlight a growing public interest in reforming time regulations to better align with modern living and health considerations.

Experts such as Dr. James Rowley, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, express concern about the adverse effects of DST on human biology. “Our bodies are accustomed to routine, and the time adjustments can wreak havoc on sleep cycles,” Rowley said. Many sleep specialists advocate for a return to permanent standard time rather than shifting to a continuous daylight saving schedule.

The ongoing dialogue surrounding daylight saving time exemplifies the balancing act between energy conservation and public health. Critics emphasize that the time change, especially in winter, hinders natural circadian rhythms by delaying sunrise, prompting a call for reforms to better suit contemporary society.

As the U.S. prepares to switch to daylight saving time this spring, individuals are encouraged to adjust their schedules accordingly, ensuring a smoother transition to the new time.

With the arrival of spring slated for March 20, longer daylight hours beckon, making the time change increasingly relevant for daily life.