As the calendar turns to March, Americans are once again preparing to adjust their clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST).
In 2025, DST begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks will “spring forward” one hour to 3 a.m. The time change will remain in effect until Sunday, November 2, when clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m.
Most states in the U.S. observe DST, with the notable exceptions of Hawaii and Arizona, excluding the Navajo Nation. U.S. territories such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not participate in the time change.
In the U.S., Daylight Saving Time (DST) was first instituted as a temporary measure to conserve energy resources during World War I and reinstituted during World War II for the same reasons, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Following World War II, some states continued to use DST, but there was little consistency in its schedule, according to History.com.
However, the biannual clock changes have sparked debates over their impact on health and the economy.
Health experts warn that the transition can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and mood disturbances.
“The human biological clock is regulated by the timing of light and darkness, which then dictates sleep and wake rhythms. In daily life, the timing of exposure to light is generally linked to the social clock. When the solar clock is misaligned with the social clock, desynchronization occurs between the internal circadian rhythm and the social clock,” the American Academy of Sleep Medicine wrote in a position statement.
“The yearly change between standard time and daylight saving time introduces this misalignment, which has been associated with risks to physical and mental health and safety, as well as risks to public health.”
Economically, the benefits of DST are contested. Proponents argue that it reduces energy consumption and boosts retail sales by providing more daylight hours for shopping. Critics, however, claim the disruption to daily routines outweighs any potential savings.
Legislative efforts to make DST permanent have been made in recent years. The Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the need to change clocks twice yearly, has gained traction but has yet to be enacted into law.
As the nation prepares for the time change, experts recommend gradually adjusting sleep schedules, maintaining consistent bedtime routines, and limiting caffeine and screen time before bed to ease the transition.
Helping children adjust to the new schedule can be challenging for parents. Encouraging physical activity, providing healthy meals, and establishing a calming bedtime routine can aid in the adjustment process.
As the debate over the merits of DST continues, Americans will once again set their clocks forward, marking the unofficial start of longer, sunnier days.