What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

Understanding Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks forward by one hour during warmer months to extend evening daylight. This means people experience longer daylight hours in the evening while sacrificing an hour of morning sunlight. Typically, DST begins in the spring and ends in the fall, when clocks are set back to standard time. The primary goal is to make better use of natural daylight, potentially reducing energy consumption and promoting outdoor activities.

History of Daylight Saving Time

The concept of DST was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784 as a way to conserve energy. However, it wasn’t until World War I that Germany and other European countries officially adopted it to save fuel. The United States followed suit in 1918, though it was met with resistance and repealed after the war. DST became standard practice in the U.S. again during World War II and was later formalized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established consistent start and end dates across states that observe it.

How DST Works in the U.S.

In most of the United States, DST starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. At 2:00 a.m. local time in March, clocks are set forward one hour, meaning people lose an hour of sleep but gain extra daylight in the evening. In November, clocks are set back an hour, restoring standard time and providing brighter mornings. However, not all states observe DST—Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round.

Recent News & Controversies Surrounding DST

Daylight Saving Time Begins in 2025

This year, DST in the U.S. began on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 a.m., when clocks were moved forward to 3:00 a.m. It will end on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when clocks will be set back one hour.

The Push to Make DST Permanent

The debate over whether to make DST permanent has gained traction in recent years. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which aimed to keep the country on DST year-round. However, the bill stalled in the House of Representatives, preventing it from becoming law.

Health and Safety Concerns

Studies suggest that the abrupt time change can disrupt sleep patterns, increase stress levels, and even lead to higher risks of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the shift in daylight has been linked to increased car accidents and workplace injuries in the days following the change.

Public Opinion on DST

Surveys indicate that many Americans are in favor of ending the biannual clock changes. Some prefer staying on permanent standard time for better morning light, while others support permanent DST for extended evening daylight.

Is DST Still Necessary?

The original purpose of DST was to save energy by reducing artificial lighting needs. However, modern technology, such as LED lighting and 24-hour businesses, has diminished the overall energy-saving benefits. As a result, some experts argue that DST is outdated, while others claim it still provides economic and social advantages.

Final Thoughts

Daylight Saving Time remains a widely practiced but controversial system in the U.S. While it offers benefits like extended daylight and potential energy savings, it also poses challenges related to health, safety, and consistency. With ongoing debates about its future, it’s possible that changes could be made in the coming years.