Americans are gearing up to "spring forward" as daylight saving time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025. At 2 a.m. local time, clocks will be set forward one hour, marking the annual transition aimed at extending evening daylight and maximizing outdoor activity opportunities during warmer months. This clock change, favorable to many, unfortunately means losing one hour of sleep for millions.
Daylight saving time, beginning annually on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November, was first introduced federally during World War I to conserve energy. The U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees the observance of DST, cites benefits like energy reduction and improved nighttime safety. Still, the practice has its critics.
Many Americans have grown increasingly frustrated with the twice-annual clock changes. Historical myths suggest DST was implemented primarily for farmers’ benefits; reality, as documented by sources like History.com, reveals farmers opposed the change, arguing it complicated their schedules. They relied more on the sun for their daily tasks than on the clock, making it disruptive for activities like milking cows and harvesting crops.
The origins of daylight saving time in the U.S. date back to the Standard Time Act of 1918, which aimed to save fuel and energy costs. It was halted after just one year due to public dissent but resurfaced intermittently until Congress passed the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which standardized the time changes across states. Since then, states can opt out; currently, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe DST.
Despite various proposals, including the 2022 Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to eliminate the clock changes permanently, no federal law has yet been enacted to solidify DST. The U.S. Senate's unanimous approval of the Act was rejected by the House of Representatives, and former President Joe Biden did not sign it. Comments from ex-President Donald Trump reflected this sentiment; on December 13, 2024, he stated, "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time... it’s inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation."
Current discussions have led to widespread debate over the continued relevance of DST. Some advocates argue it boosts commerce and reduces crime, enhancing public safety. Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about health risks, sleep disruption, and overall societal confusion caused by the time changes. Experts point out sleep patterns do not fully adjust between the spring-forward and fall-back transitions, potentially leading to increased anxiety and negative health effects.
The peak of summer experiences extended daylight, with sunsets around 8:29 p.m. for much of the continental U.S. during DST. Conversely, with standard time, the daylight dwindles, potentially resulting in earlier sunsets and shifts to humans' natural rhythms which are more aligned with sunlight.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has long advocated for permanent standard time, arguing it adjusts our biological clocks to align with natural cycles. Dr. M. Adeel Rishi highlighted this by stating, "By causing the human body clock to be misaligned with the natural environment, daylight saving time increases risks..." This perspective has gained traction, fostering growing concerns among legislators and citizens alike, leading many states to push for year-round DST legislation.
States like Colorado and Texas have seen proposals to adopt daylight saving time permanently, but enactment requires changes at the federal level. Colorado's legislation will only take effect if allowed by Congress, emphasizing the intertwined relationship between state desires and federal law.
For 2025, as we prepare to transition once more to DST, the conversation surrounding its future persists. Will America continue to adjust clocks, or will the day come when our time remains constant year-round? Despite past calls for action, the wheel of policy has yet to turn significantly.
The upcoming shift not only marks the return of longer evenings but also reignites debates surrounding the convenience, health impacts, and future of daylight saving time. With daylight saving time scheduled to end on November 2, when clocks will revert back one hour, the nation will continue to weigh the pros and cons of this perennial tradition.
Whether you enjoy the extended evenings or dread the lost sleep, one thing is for sure—Time marches on, and with it, the ever-looming question: should we really be changing our clocks?