Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts in 2025 on Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m. Looking forward to “springing forward” one hour? This change is the start of increasingly later evening daylight hours. The United States Congress essentially codified this practice for the first time in 1918 with the passage of the Standard Time Act. This annual clock change is done in the name of maximizing evening daylight. This tactic was used for the first time during World War I with the intention of energy conservation.
Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 2 a.m. Looking to get a jump on “falling back” one hour! This simple change provides the people of Indiana an additional hour of sleep. I’m sure most of us are looking forward to this change after losing an hour earlier in the year.
Though today it can feel like an antiquated experience, in 1966 the Uniform Time Act created a consistent system for implementing Daylight Saving Time nationwide. Unfortunately, not all states get on board with this salary time warp. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe Daylight Saving Time. Interestingly, while most of Arizona opts out, the Navajo Nation—spanning across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah—does adhere to DST regulations.
In addition to these states and territories, five U.S. territories do not participate in Daylight Saving Time: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unlike most of the continental United States, these areas do not observe daylight saving time, staying on standard time year-round.
As debates rage on regarding the relevance and effectiveness of Daylight Saving Time, recent legislative movements have gained momentum. When the Sunshine Protection Act is reintroduced in both chambers of Congress, hopefully this January 2025. If passed, this act could lead to the permanent adoption of Daylight Saving Time across the nation, eliminating the need for biannual clock adjustments.
Whichever option you like, advocacy for permanent standard time is gaining momentum. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recently launched a coalition. Their aim is to support lawmakers’ efforts to pass Unite for Move America Act and create permanent standard time nationwide. The organization is calling the move a major step toward promoting public health. It seeks to minimize sleep disturbances resulting from changing the time.
In addition to creating disparities in access and quality, adjusting to these time shifts can be especially difficult for young children. Any parent has seen young children resist new situations. This can interrupt their circadian rhythms, affecting their sleep schedule and behavior.
“To help your child’s body adjust, don’t just move bedtime,” – Ericka Souter
To help with this transition, Souter suggests making gradual changes in the weeks before the daylight savings switch.
“Start moving everything – meals, naps, and wake times – earlier by about 10 to 15 minutes each day leading up to the time change.” – Ericka Souter
She urges that as public transit expands, it must be done mindfully. Kids might still require a few days or even an entire week to completely acclimate to the new schedule.
“Even with the best plan, most kids need a few days or sometimes a full week to adjust,” – Ericka Souter
With Daylight Saving Time coming up this weekend, get ready for this switch. So prepare to change your habits and reduce the hassle! The adjustment period is different for everyone, but being aware of these changes can make your transition smoother and avoid unnecessary hassle.
