Daylight Saving Time Starts Soon: What to Expect

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Daylight saving time (DST) is set to begin on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time across the United States. As clocks spring forward by one hour, Americans will lose an hour of sleep but gain extended daylight in the evenings.

This biannual ritual has been part of American culture since its adoption during World War I as a wartime energy-saving measure. Despite its historical roots, daylight saving time remains a controversial topic, with ongoing debates on its relevance and impact on public health and safety.

Historically, daylight saving time was first established in the U.S. in 1918, during World War I. It was intended to conserve energy, extending evening daylight hours. However, the practice was not popular among farmers, who argued that the schedule disrupted their routines. It was repealed in 1919 but reinstated during World War II, and again became standardized under the Uniform Time Act of 1966.

Currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time, opting instead for standard time year-round. The remaining states follow a schedule that shifts clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall. Critics of the time change argue that it disrupts sleep patterns and may increase health risks.

Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, chair of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s Public Safety Committee, advocates for permanent standard time, citing increased risks to physical and mental health due to the disruptions caused by changing clocks. “By causing the human body clock to be misaligned with the natural environment, daylight saving time increases risks to our physical health, mental well-being, and public safety,” Rishi stated.

Supporters of daylight saving time argue that it increases evening daylight, which can boost recreational activities and economic performance. However, the energy savings attributed to the practice have come under scrutiny, as modern lifestyle shifts may diminish the benefits.

Legislation has emerged in recent years aiming to eliminate the clock shifts altogether. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing to make daylight saving time permanent, but the bill stalled in the House of Representatives.

As the switch approaches, experts remind Americans to prepare for the time change. Clocks will need to be adjusted manually on devices without automatic updates, such as wall clocks and microwaves. The upcoming clock change on March 9 will mark the start of a 34-week period of daylight saving time, concluding on November 2, 2025.