Daylight Saving Time returns: Will the US ever end the clock-change debate?

daylight saving time (DST) begins. At 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 9, clocks will move forward by an hour, bringing longer daylight hours in the evening but also disrupting sleep schedules. The shift will remain in place until Sunday, November 2, when clocks return to standard time for the winter months.

While most states observe DST, some do not. Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out, citing climate and practical concerns. The Navajo Nation, however, does follow the change. U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam, also skip the adjustment.

A Century-Old Practice with a Mixed Legacy

Daylight saving time was introduced in the United States in 1918 under the Standard Time Act, initially as a wartime measure to conserve energy. It was reintroduced during World War II but was not standardised until the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation oversees DST, promoting it as a way to reduce energy use and improve safety by extending daylight hours.

Despite these justifications, many Americans find the twice-yearly clock changes disruptive. A 2023 YouGov poll revealed that 62% of respondents wanted to eliminate the practice altogether. Of these, 50% preferred DST year-round, while 31% favoured sticking with standard time.

Experts Call for a Permanent Time Fix

Medical professionals have also weighed in, advocating for a permanent shift away from seasonal clock changes. «The U.S. should eliminate seasonal time changes in favour of a national, fixed, year-round time,» the American