An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. – Winston Churchill
On March 13th 2022, we will set our clocks forward from 2 AM to 3 AM to experience, as Winston Churchill put it, ‘an extra yawn one morning in the springtime.’ But what exactly is Daylight Saving Time? When did it start and why do we still do it? Which states and countries follow it, and which don’t? Explore and learn all about the what, when, why and how of this fascinating concept.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a concept designed for us to enjoy an extra hour of daylight from spring to autumn.
Each year, it starts on the second Sunday of March and ends with the first Sunday of November. To follow the time change it’s helpful to remember to “spring forward” and “fall back,” explaining why clocks are moving forward from 2 AM to 3 AM in springtime, and why they step back from 2 AM to 1 AM in fall.
Why Set the Clock at 2 AM?
We cannot set back our clocks at midnight because then it still counts as the previous day and creates confusion. The exact 2 AM local time was selected with the thought that this hour has minimum commercial activities. Most people are home, and very few restaurants or airlines are affected. Also, it does not hinder people with early work shifts or church-going routines.
Daylight Saving Time in the US
Daylight Saving Time, also called Daylight Savings in the United States, started in 1918 and continues today with the exceptions of Arizona, Hawaii, and territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Why Do We Still Observe Daylight Savings?
What started as an energy conservation method is continued today for its convenience, and most importantly, economics. Many find that activities like shopping after work, going out to play after school (or getting more candy during Halloween!) makes a noticeable difference in our lifestyles.
Prolonged and brighter evenings are often considered a motivating factor for people to get out of the house. With the increasingly sedentary lifestyles of today, recreational activities like golf, running, and hiking can be the excuse to embrace the outdoors and get moving!
Summertime is also a boost for the tourism industry as people devote more time for shopping, eating out at restaurants, or joining events, which all boosts the local economy. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this extra hour of sunshine!
Prepping for Daylight Saving Time
There are three helpful tips for preparing for Daylight Saving Time. Dr. Abhinav Singh, MD, FAASM, Medical Review Expert at SleepFoundation.org and Director of the Indiana Sleep Foundation, offers his advice.
The best thing to do leading up to daylight saving time is to begin going to sleep and waking up a little bit earlier – 15 min. or so – each day. Remember to get morning sunshine before noon if possible – this helps invigorate your sleep wake rhythms.
Starting a week prior to the time change is ideal. When it comes time to move the clocks forward, your body has already adjusted to the new time zone.
If doing this is not an option, then try to wind down earlier to give yourself an 8 hr opportunity to sleep. Avoid scheduling important events this week if possible. Be prepared for feeling fatigued/sleepy this week. Take a short nap (15-20) if possible.
Are you ready to spring forward? Or would you rather fall back? Let us know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Third parties are not providing an endorsement of Shop LC goods or services. Shop LC is not providing an endorsement of third-party goods, services, or opinions.
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