Standard time giving way to daylight saving in most of US

Have you ever wondered why we change our clocks twice a year, moving them forward in the spring and back in the fall?

For a significant portion of the United States, the upcoming Sunday of March 13, 2023, marks the transition from standard time to daylight saving time, when the clocks will be advanced by an hour. Daylight saving time is a seasonal occurrence that typically begins in the spring and concludes in the fall, entailing the adjustment of clocks forward by an hour in the spring and backward by an hour in the fall.

Daylight saving time is observed by most states in the US, except for Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the majority of Arizona. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the practice of daylight saving time throughout the United States but authorized individual states to exempt themselves from the practice by enacting a state law.

What is the purpose behind observing daylight saving time in the US?

The primary objective of daylight saving time is to increase the availability of daylight during the summer months. By advancing the clocks by an hour, more daylight is accessible during the evening, facilitating outdoor activities and decreasing the need for artificial lighting. The concept of daylight saving time traces back to the 18th century and was initially implemented during World War I as a strategy for conserving energy.


Supporters of daylight saving time contend that the practice also minimizes traffic accidents by offering more daylight during peak traffic hours and promotes overall health and well-being by encouraging physical activity and reducing depression.

What are the advantages of daylight saving time?

One of the primary arguments in favor of daylight saving time is its ability to conserve energy. By extending daylight during the evening, less artificial lighting is used, leading to reduced energy consumption. According to the US Department of Transportation, daylight saving time curbs the country’s electricity usage by 1% every day. The department further calculates that daylight saving time saves households about $100 annually on energy bills.

Daylight saving time also provides economic advantages, primarily for the tourism sector. With more daylight during the evening, people are more inclined to travel and participate in outdoor activities, boosting the economy in regions that rely on tourism.

Additionally, proponents of daylight saving time assert that it enhances public safety by decreasing the number of traffic accidents. With more daylight available during peak traffic hours, drivers have improved visibility, and accidents involving pedestrians are less likely to occur.

What are the disadvantages of daylight saving time?

Opponents of daylight saving time argue that the practice leads to several issues, such as disturbed sleep patterns, amplified energy consumption, and negative impacts on public health. When the clocks are advanced by an hour, people often encounter challenges in adjusting their sleep patterns, resulting in sleep deprivation and other health concerns.


Furthermore, the extended daylight during the evening may lead to increased energy consumption, particularly for air conditioning in warmer regions. It may also have detrimental effects on public health by disturbing natural circadian rhythms, causing various health issues such as depression, heart disease, and diabetes.

Final thoughts

Daylight saving time remains a controversial topic, with advocates and opponents presenting arguments for and against the practice. While it may generate economic benefits and reduce energy consumption, it may also disturb sleep patterns and have adverse effects on public health. As a result, the decision to observe daylight saving time remains subject to debate, with some states choosing to abstain from the practice entirely.