On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2:00 a.m., we will move our clocks forward by one hour as part of Daylight Saving Time (DST). While this annual ritual is often met with mixed reactions, some welcoming the extended daylight in the evening and others dreading the lost hour of sleep, it has a long and complex history.
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time
The concept of adjusting clocks to maximize daylight is often linked to Benjamin Franklin, who, in a satirical 1784 essay, suggested waking up earlier to save on candle usage. However, the modern notion of DST was introduced by Englishman William Willet in 1907. Observing that people slept through valuable morning daylight, Willet proposed shifting clocks forward to make better use of natural light. He spent years lobbying for the change, but his proposal was largely ignored during his lifetime.
Daylight Saving Time was first widely adopted during World War I as a fuel-saving measure. Germany implemented DST in 1915, with Britain and the United States following in 1918. However, opposition from farmers and rural communities, who found it disruptive to their routines, led to its repeal in the U.S. in 1920.
DST returned during World War II as part of wartime energy conservation efforts. Known as “War Time,” the practice was enforced year-round from 1942 to 1945. After the war, DST became a patchwork policy, with states and localities choosing whether and when to observe it, leading to nationwide confusion. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act standardized DST across the U.S., setting consistent start and end dates. Further changes came in 2007, when the Energy Policy Act extended DST by several weeks.
Why Do We Change Our Clocks?
The primary argument for DST is energy conservation. By shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, the idea is that households will use less electricity for lighting and heating. Additionally, proponents argue that more daylight in the evening reduces crime and allows for more outdoor activities.
However, DST has its detractors. Some studies suggest that the energy savings are minimal, and the sudden shift in sleep patterns can lead to health issues, increased workplace accidents, and a temporary spike in traffic incidents. Farmers, often mistakenly thought to be the biggest advocates of DST, have historically opposed the practice, as it disrupts livestock feeding and milking schedules. Many also argue that the supposed energy savings are offset by increased use of air conditioning in the warmer months.
Daylight Saving Time Around the World
DST is not observed universally. While most of North America and Europe follow some form of DST, many countries, including Japan, China, and much of Africa, do not use it at all. In the U.S., Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, and several U.S. territories have opted out.
In recent years, several states have passed legislation to end the biannual clock change, but federal law still requires congressional approval for such changes. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent, but the bill stalled in the House. The debate over DST continues, with ongoing discussions about its impact on health, productivity, and energy consumption.
Adjusting to the Time Change
Losing an hour of sleep can be challenging, especially for students and educators. Here are a few tips to make the transition easier:
- Gradually adjust your schedule: Go to bed 15-30 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the change.
- Limit screen time before bed: Reducing exposure to blue light from devices can help your body adjust.
- Get some morning sunlight: Natural light helps regulate your internal clock.
- Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime: These can interfere with sleep quality.
As we prepare to “spring forward,” we encourage our SDoL community to be mindful of the adjustment and take steps to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you embrace the extra evening daylight or count down the days until we “fall back” in November, DST remains a fascinating and sometimes controversial tradition that continues to shape our daily lives.
Spring is right around the corner and with it another school year will go by. Enjoy the extra daylight!