As we approach Daylight Saving Time in 2025, it’s important to know exactly when the clocks will change. This year, the time change will occur at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, at which point the clocks will spring forward to 3 a.m.. Understanding the mechanics of this time shift can help you prepare for the lost hour of sleep and its implications.
During the spring, Daylight Saving Time entails moving the clocks forward by one hour. This adjustment results in the sun setting an hour later in the evening and rising later in the morning. For those using digital devices, like cell phones, the time change will automatically adjust, eliminating any need for manual intervention. However, if you have analog clocks or other timepieces that do not automatically update, you’ll need to reset them manually.
This time change can lead to a loss of sleep, which has been linked to various health risks. Medical studies indicate that the transition is associated with an increase in strokes, heart attacks, and traffic accidents in the days following the time change.
Daylight Saving Time will conclude on Sunday, November 2, when clocks will fall back one hour. This reversal means that the sun will set an hour earlier in the evening and rise earlier in the morning, marking the end of the longer daylight hours.
While Daylight Saving Time is primarily observed in the U.S., many countries around the world participate as well. Most of these countries are located in Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. Additionally, certain regions in Canada and Australia observe this practice. In Africa, only Egypt implements Daylight Saving Time.
In the United States, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in Daylight Saving Time, according to the Department of Transportation, which manages time zones across the country. The U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands, also do not observe this time change.
The origins of Daylight Saving Time can be traced back to the ideas of several historical figures. While some attribute its inception to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, who suggested a system for early risers, this claim is disputed. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia credits George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist who proposed a two-hour rollback in 1895 to allow more evening light for collecting insects. Others, like British builder William Willet, championed the practice in 1907 to promote more outdoor activity and energy conservation.
In 1916, during World War I, Germany became the first nation to officially adopt Daylight Saving Time as a means to conserve fuel. Following their lead, many European nations implemented similar measures. The United States joined the movement in 1918, aiming to maximize daylight hours and conserve energy. The current schedule of starting Daylight Saving Time on the second Sunday in March and ending it on the first Sunday in November was established during the administration of former President George W. Bush.
As we prepare for the upcoming clock change in March, understanding the implications of Daylight Saving Time can help you adjust more smoothly. Be sure to set your clocks forward and enjoy the longer daylight hours ahead!
