Daylight Saving Time Begins Sunday: What You Need to Know About ‘Springing Forward

Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins today, Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 a.m. local time in participating regions of the United States. At this moment, clocks are set forward by one hour, effectively moving from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. This shift results in one hour less of sleep but provides extended daylight in the evening for the coming months.

Daylight Saving Time Begins

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a long-debated practice that impacts millions of people every year. While it offers longer daylight hours, it also poses health challenges and safety concerns. As legislation continues to debate making DST permanent, it’s essential to understand its effects and how to best adapt.

For now, don’t forget to set your clocks forward by one hour and take steps to ease into the time change.

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Daylight Saving Time Begins: Understanding Daylight Saving Time

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting clocks forward by one hour in the spring and then setting them back by one hour in the fall. The goal is to make better use of natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening.

DST was first introduced in the United States during World War I to conserve energy. It was later standardized under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, though not all states observe it. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not follow DST.

Why Do We Observe DST?

1. Energy Savings: Originally, the idea was that more daylight in the evening would mean using less electricity.
2. Increased Productivity: Longer daylight hours encourage outdoor activities and commerce.
3. Traffic Safety: Studies suggest that more daylight hours reduce pedestrian accidents in the evening.

However, not everyone agrees with these benefits. Some research shows that DST no longer significantly reduces energy consumption due to changes in modern energy use.

Daylight Saving Time Begins: How Does DST Affect Your Health?

While extra daylight sounds great, the sudden shift in time can have noticeable effects on health.

Potential Health Risks

1. Sleep Disruptions: Losing an hour of sleep can throw off your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm).
2. Heart Health: Research has found a 24% increase in heart attacks the Monday after DST begins (American College of Cardiology).
3. Increased Risk of Stroke: A 2016 study found an 8% increase in stroke rates in the first two days after the time change.
4. Workplace and Traffic Accidents: Studies show a higher rate of car accidents and workplace injuries following DST transitions.

Tips to Adjust to DST Smoothly

1. Go to bed 15–30 minutes earlier in the days leading up to DST.
2. Expose yourself to morning sunlight to help reset your body’s internal clock.
3. Limit caffeine and screen time in the evening to improve sleep quality.
4. Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes to prevent grogginess.

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Daylight Saving Time Begins: The Debate Over Permanent Daylight Saving Time

Legislation & The Sunshine Protection Act

The biannual time change has led to ongoing debates about whether the U.S. should adopt permanent DST or standard time.

1. The Sunshine Protection Act (2022) was introduced to make DST permanent, eliminating the need for changing clocks. While it passed in the Senate, it did not move forward in the House.
2. As of 2025, no federal legislation has been enacted, meaning DST remains in effect with clocks changing twice a year.
3. Several states, including California, Florida, and Texas, have passed laws in favor of permanent DST, but federal approval is required.

Arguments for Permanent DST:

1. More daylight in the evening encourages outdoor activities and reduces crime.
2. Better economic activity with longer daylight hours for businesses.

Arguments Against DST:

1. Sleep disruption and health concerns outweigh the benefits.
2. Standard Time is more aligned with natural body rhythms.

Daylight Saving Time Begins: Practical Tips for Managing the Time Change

For Individuals & Families

1. Set your clocks forward before bed on Saturday night to wake up adjusted.
2. Create a bedtime routine to help your body adapt.
3. Use blackout curtains or eye masks if you have trouble sleeping due to the time change.

For Businesses & Employers

1. Be mindful of employee productivity on Monday after DST starts.
2. Encourage flexible work hours for the first few days of DST.
3. Remind employees to adjust schedules for meetings, especially for those dealing with international time zones.

For Drivers

1. Be extra cautious on the roads as drowsy driving accidents increase.
2. Use extra lighting if necessary when driving early in the morning.

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Daylight Saving Time Begins (FAQs)