March 9, 2025, is just around the corner, and as the date approaches, millions of Americans are bracing for the time-honored tradition of Daylight Saving Time (DST). This year, once again, clocks will spring forward one hour at 2:00 AM, heralding longer evenings filled with daylight as spring arrives. Despite the excitement surrounding extended daylight, the semi-annual clock change continues to spark heated debates about its practicality and relevance.
Daylight Saving Time officially begins on the second Sunday of March and traditionally ends on the first Sunday of November. The rationale behind this seasonal shift dates back to 1918, when the United States first enacted DST during World War I with the goal of conserving energy. Since then, the practice has undergone various changes, including implementation during World War II and periods of being made permanent, primarily during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Currently, DST is observed by most states, with Hawaii and portions of Arizona opting out.
The change not only affects our daily routines but also impacts public health and the economy. Medical professionals warn of potential health risks associated with the abrupt shift; studies show increased incidents of heart attacks and mood disorders tie to the time change. For many, losing just one hour of sleep can be disorienting. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for permanent standard time, stating it may align more closely with natural circadian rhythms, which are often disrupted during the transitions.
For businesses, longer daylight hours can lead to increased consumer spending and stimulate economic activity, as more outdoor activities occur when the sun is still up later in the evening. Retail and recreational sectors especially benefit from this added sunlight. Yet, earlier studies indicate the energy savings from DST are minimal, causing some to question whether the tradition should continue.
Not all states show uniform agreement on the necessity of DST. While most states abide by the clock change, the territories of American Samoa, Guam, and Puerto Rico maintain standard time throughout the year. Recent advocacy for abolishing DST has surged, with around 70 countries worldwide continuing the practice, illuminating the conversation around its practicality and benefits for modern society.
President Donald Trump, who took office on January 20, 2025, has been vocal about his disdain for DST. He recently stated, "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t!" expressed on his social media platform, directly reflecting the sentiment of some Americans who find the biannual clock change inconvenient and even burdensome. Trump’s administration and legislative allies, including Senator Rick Scott from Florida, have introduced bipartisan efforts such as the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, which intends to eliminate the need for springing forward and falling back.
Many Americans appear to share this sentiment. A 2023 YouGov poll indicated around 62% of respondents support ending the twice-a-year clock adjustments. State movements are also gaining momentum, with over 30 states considering legislation to establish year-round daylight saving time, including Ohio, California, and New York, as discussions around the change gather urgency.
Yet, even with legislative interest, any permanent change to DST would require federal approval. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 currently governs DST practices, and repealing or modifying it involves substantial hurdles. Attempts to pass new legislation have consistently stalled, reflecting the deep-seated challenges of altering longstanding traditions.
For now, as Americans prepare to set their clocks forward on March 9, the warm weather and long daylight hours to follow might help mitigate the initial fatigue from losing one hour of sleep. While there’s no resolution on whether DST will endure or be replaced, the annual ritual of adjusting clocks will likely continue to be part of American life — at least for the foreseeable future.
So, as you prepare for spring, don’t forget to adjust your clocks — but also keep the discussion going about what time truly works best for everyone.