As the days increase, most nations are gearing up to switch their clocks for Daylight Saving Time (DST). The clock change is going to occur in March 2025 and will impact millions of people in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe. Although DST is intended to offer more evening daylight hours, it also introduces sleep cycle disruptions and daily routine disturbances.
When Clocks Changing in the U.S. and Canada?
In the majority of the United States and Canada, clocks will “spring forward” one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025. That’s losing an hour of sleep but gaining an extra hour of daylight in the evening.
But not every area observes DST. The state of Hawaii and the majority of Arizona do not change their clocks, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, which does. In Canada, DST is not applied in regions of British Columbia, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Daylight Saving Time in the U.K. and Europe
In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, clocks will go forward one hour at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in the transition to British Summer Time (BST). The clocks will remain in this time until October 26, 2025, when clocks revert to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
But certain European nations don’t observe DST. Iceland, Belarus, and Russia are some nations that have stayed away from adopting it, remaining on a single time all year round.
Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time originated to maximize daylight and save energy. The theory was that moving the clocks forward during warmer months would cut the need for artificial light and save electricity.
Over time, DST has become a controversial practice. Supporters believe it reduces energy consumption, increases outdoor activity, and benefits businesses. Longer daylight hours mean people can spend more time outside, which can boost the economy through shopping and tourism.
Nevertheless, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages, critics say. Research has associated DST with sleep disturbances, a higher risk of heart attacks, and more workplace and highway abolished because people get tired. Others also wonder if DST actually conserves energy, given how drastically electricity usage habits have altered since its inception.
The Debate Over Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Over the past few years, there has been increasing support for making DST permanent. Some argue that having the time change throughout the year would eradicate the ill effects of changing clocks twice annually.
In America, 20 states have enacted legislation for permanent DST, but such changes cannot occur without Congressional approval. There are lawmakers who have advocated for reform across the entire nation, but there is ongoing debate about whether the nation should remain on Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time year-round.
As the clocks are changed yet again, individuals all over the world will be forced to reset their routines. Though many like having the extra hours of daylight in the evenings, the controversy as to whether Daylight Saving Time must continue or be abolished continues on.
