Daylight saving time will soon return, with clocks springing forward on March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m. The change, which has been part of American life since 1918, requires individuals across the nation to set their clocks one hour forward, losing one precious hour of sleep. This year, the transition marks the beginning of the annual practice aimed at maximizing daylight during the longer days of spring and summer.
Historically, daylight saving time was established as part of the Standard Time Act during World War I, primarily to conserve energy by making use of more daylight. Fast-forward to the present day, and the practice still faces scrutiny and criticism for its effects on health and daily life. President Donald Trump has publicly stated his intention to make standard time the permanent status, arguing, "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." His comments reflect broader dissatisfaction with the system, which many believe causes more harm than good.
The upcoming switch back to daylight saving time will start on March 9, ushering longer evenings but cutting sleep short for many. While most of the nation will adjust their clocks, Hawaii and Arizona—except for the Navajo Nation—will continue to observe standard time year-round, illustrating the diversity of opinions on whether or not to participate.
With the time change approaching, numerous experts recommend easing the transition. For example, people can gradually adjust their sleep schedules by going to bed fifteen minutes earlier each night leading up to the change. This adjustment can help minimize the disruption associated with suddenly losing an hour of sleep.
Besides altering sleep patterns, there are some practical household duties to accompany this time change. The University of Colorado Health & Wellness Services suggests checking and changing batteries in smoke detectors, adjusting ceiling fans for the warmer seasons, and examining air filters. These small chores can improve home safety and comfort for families during daylight saving time.
The political discussions surrounding daylight saving time have been reignited with the introduction of the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which aims to make daylight saving time permanent across the U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who has sponsored the bill, has voiced the frustrations of many Americans: "I hear from Americans constantly... it’s more of an annoyance to families than benefit to them." If passed, the act would eliminate the biannual clock changes entirely, hoping to simplify the lives of citizens.
Efforts to make daylight saving time permanent have been made before, most prominently with the passage of the Sunshine Protection Act through the Senate previously, though it never got the necessary traction in the House. Florida was the first state to call for permanent daylight saving time back in 2018, and since then, multiple states have introduced similar resolutions, supported by members of Congress. Yet, to officially change the time system, congressional approval is necessary.
The debate continues over whether the system can be improved or should be eliminated altogether. Some stakeholders advocate for ending daylight saving time, citing scientific evidence claiming it disrupts people's circadian rhythms and could lead to increased health risks. Erik Herzog, a professor of biology and neuroscience, has emphasized this, stating, "The medical and scientific communities are unified... permanent standard time isbetter for human health." This perspective suggests the current time practices may need to evolve, considering modern health interpretations and lifestyle demands.
Nonetheless, fans of daylight saving time argue for its benefits, including extended daylight hours, which allows for more outdoor activities and increased tourism opportunities. The longer, lighter evenings can also lead to increased recreational and commercial activities, making it appealing for sectors of the economy reliant on daylight.
Though there are advocates on both sides, the growing concern over time changes impacts on health and lifestyle means the discussion isn't likely to fade away anytime soon. Time change weekends have become notorious for raising awareness on the need to focus on sleep health, highlighting the consequences of such shifts on well-being.
Regardless of the heated debates, one thing remains clear: on March 9, as we spring forward, families across the U.S. will have to face another hour less sleep. Individuals are encouraged to take the transition seriously, adjust their bedtime accordingly, and prepare for the longer days to come. Daylight saving time, with all its complexity, is here again, and how we respond will shape how we cope with this annual testing of our routines.