It’s time to spring forward. Daylight saving time begins this weekend. - The Washington Post

As the old adage goes, "spring forward, fall back." This weekend, the majority of the United States will be adjusting their clocks for the annual ritual known as daylight saving time. Originating as a means to make better use of daylight and conserve energy, the practice has both its proponents and critics. This year, the transition into daylight saving time is provoking a fresh wave of discussions and debates around its relevance, benefits, and drawbacks.

On the one hand, the change means losing an hour of sleep, which can disrupt people's routines and impact their wellbeing. On the other hand, the shift allows for an extra hour of sunlight in the evening, offering more daylight for outdoor activities and potentially reducing energy consumption. The concept of time, its management, and how it affects our daily lives is a topic of intense interest, and daylight saving time brings all these issues into sharp focus.

As we approach the weekend, this article aims to delve into the complexities and nuances of daylight saving time. It will explore its historical origins, the scientific research surrounding its effects, and the diverse opinions on whether we should continue with this biannual time change. As the clocks are set to spring forward, it's time to take a closer look at what daylight saving time truly means for us.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a system where clocks are set forward by one hour from Standard Time during the warmer part of the year, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Most places in North America and Europe that observe daylight saving time do so beginning on the second Sunday in March, when clocks are moved forward by one hour. They "spring forward" to DST, and "fall back" to Standard Time in November. This year, DST begins on March 14.

The concept of DST was first proposed by George Vernon Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, in 1895. However, it was not until World War I that DST was adopted and implemented by several countries in an effort to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting. Despite the controversy and confusion it often causes, DST has been used for more than 100 years in many parts of the world.

In the United States, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a system of uniform (within each time zone) Daylight Saving Time throughout the U.S. and its possessions, exempting only those areas where it was not desired. Today, most of the U.S. follows DST with the exception of Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several territories.

While the primary purpose of DST is to make better use of daylight during the summer months, various studies have disputed its energy-saving benefits. Yet, many people appreciate the longer evening hours of sunlight for outdoor activities.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is more than just a modern invention. The concept dates back to ancient civilizations, which adjusted their daily schedules to the sun's schedule. The formal implementation of DST, however, is a relatively recent development that occurred during the early 20th century.

The idea was first proposed by George Vernon Hudson, an entomologist from New Zealand, in 1895. Hudson's shift-work job gave him leisure time to collect insects, and he valued after-hour daylight. He proposed a two-hour daylight saving shift to the Wellington Philosophical Society. However, it wasn't until World War I that many countries began to adopt the practice. Germany was the first country to implement DST in 1916 as a means to conserve fuel during the war.

Yet, the United States did not adopt DST until 1918, two years after Germany. The Standard Time Act established standard time zones and set summer DST to begin on March 21, 1918. The idea was unpopular, and Congress abolished DST after the war, overriding President Woodrow Wilson's veto. DST became a local option, and was continued in a few states, such as Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

Interestingly, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended DST by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November. The change was implemented in 2007, with the goal of reducing energy consumption. However, studies have shown mixed results on whether DST actually conserves energy, bringing the practice into question.

However, the shift in daylight hours does not come without significant impacts on the health and sleep patterns of individuals. According to Dr. Jennifer Martin, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, "The transition into daylight saving time is particularly hard on our sleep schedules. Because we 'lose' an hour of sleep, it can take several days to a week for our bodies to adjust to the shift."

She goes on to explain that "The change in light exposure can also disrupt our circadian rhythms, internal body clocks that regulate sleep, metabolism, and other physiological processes. This disruption can lead to sleep deprivation and a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke."

While the extra hour of sunlight in the evening can be beneficial for outdoor activities and mental health, it is crucial to consider the broader impacts on sleep and health. As Dr. Martin suggests, "It's important to prioritize good sleep hygiene during this transition period, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a sleep-friendly environment."

As we prepare to spring forward into daylight saving time, it's essential to remember the reasons behind this semi-annual time change. While losing an hour of sleep may seem like a significant inconvenience for some, the additional daylight in the evenings can be a welcome change for many, promoting more outdoor activities and potentially leading to energy conservation.

However, the ongoing debates about the efficacy and necessity of daylight saving time highlight a divided public opinion. Despite this, the fact remains that for most parts of the U.S., the transition to daylight saving time is a routine part of our lives. As we adjust our clocks this weekend, we also adjust our routines and daily rhythms to accommodate this change.

In the end, whether we view daylight saving time as a boon or a bane, it serves as a reminder of our complex relationship with time and the sun. As the sun sets an hour later this weekend, let's take a moment to appreciate the extra daylight and the opportunities it brings.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/03/06/daylight-saving-time-spring-forward-change-clocks/