Daylight saving time (DST) is set to begin once again on Sunday, March 9, 2025, when most Americans will move their clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. This switch, intended to maximize daylight during the evening hours, has sparked heated debate across the country, with politicians and citizens alike questioning whether the biannual clock change is still relevant or beneficial.
Each year when clocks spring forward, Americans effectively lose one hour of sleep. Many may recall falling asleep at 10 p.m. only to wake up at what feels like 11 p.m. the next day. This loss of sleep can trigger various health impacts according to experts, especially for the average person trying to adapt to the sudden shift.
The history of daylight saving time is long and convoluted, dating back to 1918 when it was first established by the U.S. government under the Standard Time Act. Originally implemented to conserve fuel during World War I, it became formalized across the country with the introduction of the Uniform Time Act of 1966, creating uniformity on when states observe daylight saving time. Still, some states like Hawaii and Arizona, excluding the Navajo Nation, remain on standard time year-round, opting out of the twice-yearly time changes.
Despite its long-standing history, public sentiment is shifting against the time changes. A recent YouGov poll revealed 63% of Americans would prefer to stop changing the clocks. Others have echoed this sentiment. "Americans are tired of the antiquated practice of 'falling back' every year," stated Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, who is advocating for the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025. This bill, spearheaded by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), would eliminate the spring and fall clock adjustments, making daylight saving time permanent.
Scott expressed excitement about gaining bipartisan support for the proposal. “I’m excited to have President Trump back in the White House and fully on board to LOCK THE CLOCK,” he said, signaling strong political backing for the bill. Yet, discussions for permanent daylight saving time legislation have stalled before, with the bill introduced multiple times without making it past Congress.
The bipartisan push for the Sunshine Protection Act coincides with increasing awareness of potential health risks associated with clock changes. Studies from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation point to increased rates of heart attacks, sleep disruptions, and other negative health outcomes correlated with the time change days. ”There’s a mismatch between the outside world and our internal clocks,” said Joseph Dzierzewski of the National Sleep Foundation, underscoring the physiological effects of daylight saving time.
Varying health impacts have drawn the ire of not just the public but lawmakers as well. Proponents of the Sunshine Protection Act hope to break the pattern of legislative gridlock experienced previously. Past efforts to legislate the end of time changes, including unanimous Senate approval for the Sunshine Protection Act back in 2022, failed to progress through the House of Representatives.
Supporters believe constant daylight saving time could improve public health and safety. Heart attack rates and sleep disruptions are among the common concerns raised when daylight saving time begins. “It’s not just about changing our clocks; it’s about health, safety, and overall well-being,” argued Sen. Scott when discussing the benefits of the legislation before Congress.
But not everyone is convinced by the calls for permanent time. There are vocal proponents for standard time as well, claiming the health benefits of more naturally synced biological clocks may outweigh the appeal of extended evenings. “Permanent Standard Time allows for more alignment with our natural circadian rhythms,” noted Erik Herzog, biology professor at Washington University. Many advocate for this change, which would not require congressional approval, allowing states to bypass the twice-annual clock switch.
Another vocal critic of time changes is former President Donald Trump, who expressed his intent to abolish daylight saving time through his social media platform, Truth Social. “Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he posited, indicating he might push for legislation supporting these changes—if in office again.
Under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, states must conform to federally mandated start and end dates for daylight saving time, or they can choose to opt-out entirely. This has led to confusion and frustration for many Americans, making straightforward plotting of clock changes seemingly futile. “The Sunshine Protection Act has broad support; the time to act is now,” urged Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), reflecting the momentum continuing to build as the date for springing forward approaches.
With the impending clock change only days away, many families are preparing to deal with the resultant sleep deprivation. Health professionals recommend gradual adjustments to evening sleeping patterns to ease the transition and suggested habits, including maintaining regular sleep schedules, engaging in outdoor activities, and reducing electronic screen time before bed. “Our health is deeply connected to our sleep hygiene,” Dr. Darien Sutton stated, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures for those feeling the strain from clock adjustments.
The debate on daylight saving time and its merits seems far from resolved. With impending discussions likely to resurface as the clock changes soon, millions of Americans will experience the time adjustment on March 9, 2025. And over the coming months, conversations surrounding potential legislative changes will certainly heat up across state and national platforms.