Daylight Saving Time Starts March 9: Prepare to Spring Forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Daylight saving time (DST) returns on Sunday, March 9, 2025, prompting Americans to move their clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. This seasonal adjustment is designed to extend evening daylight, allowing for more sunlight during the after-work hours.

As the first day of spring approaches on March 20, the time change will mean one hour less of sleep for many. Those who fall asleep at 10 p.m. on Saturday must adjust to the clock indicating 11 p.m. after the change. The practice of switching clocks began in the U.S. in 1918 during World War I to conserve energy.

The official start of DST aligns with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which mandates that states must adhere to a specific schedule unless they opt out. Only Hawaii and most of Arizona, excluding the Navajo Nation, do not participate in this yearly change.

This year, daylight saving time ends on November 2, 2025, as clocks will revert back one hour. Many businesses are also promoting the transition. Kroger is offering a ‘Kroger Hour Back Box,’ which includes a selection of breakfast items and other essentials to help ease the adjustment.

“The transition can be challenging, especially for families with young children,” said Ericka Sóuter, a parenting expert. She suggests that parents encourage more outdoor activities during the day and limit screen time before bed to help facilitate smoother transitions.

Health experts warn about the potential impacts of DST on sleep patterns; studies suggest an increase in heart issues, mood disturbances, and sleep-related problems during the adjustment period. Dr. Darien Sutton advises people to gradually adjust their bedtime leading up to the change. “It’s important to listen to your body during this transition,” he emphasized.

The debate over whether to keep daylight saving time continues. In 2022, a Senate measure aimed at making DST permanent advanced but has stalled in the House. Some individuals argue that keeping standard time year-round would be more beneficial. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a coalition of voices aligned with this perspective.

Public interest in abolishing the time change has been increasing, with state legislatures considering bills aimed at permanent standard time. As such, daylight saving time may face challenges moving forward, with both public health and convenience driving the discussion.

Historically, the concept of changing clocks dates back to Benjamin Franklin’s 1784 proposal aimed at saving energy by maximizing daylight hours. Though the practice of DST was not officially adopted until the early 20th century, it has evolved through various wars and energy crises across the past century.

The wider implications of DST may extend beyond convenience. Proponents argue that longer daylight hours in the evening could reduce traffic accidents and increase outdoor activities, especially as the world adapts to climate initiatives and energy efficiency.

As Americans prepare for the upcoming clock change, it’s essential to be aware of the health implications and find effective strategies to manage the transition smoothly.