Most Americans will adjust their clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. on March 8, marking the start of daylight saving time in the United States.
Daylight Saving Time Returns
This annual practice, requiring a loss of one hour of sleep on Sunday, continues as a federal measure intended to maximize daylight hours, though its impact on health and its future are subjects of ongoing public debate, according to ABC7NY, the New York affiliate of ABC News.
The change affects nearly all states, the District of Columbia, and the Nation Navajo, with exceptions for Arizona (excluding the Nation Navajo), Hawái, and U.S. Territories including Samoa Americana, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The daylight saving time period extends until November 1, according to data from the U.S. Naval Observatory, the official timekeeping agency of the United States.
While commonly referred to as “daylight savings time,” the official term is “daylight saving time.” The practice of moving clocks forward one hour on the second Sunday in March has been consistent since 2007, when the current date was established nationally.
Originally implemented as an energy-saving measure, the practice aimed to allow populations to better utilize daylight for daily activities, tracing back to the Standard Time Act approved in March 1918, as reported by the Library of Congress.
The system is currently facing legislative proposals for modification or abolition. H.R. 7378, known as the Daylight Act of 2026, proposes adjusting clocks by only 30 minutes instead of the traditional full hour.
The change in schedule can have direct health consequences linked to sleep deprivation. Losing an hour of rest requires the body several days to adjust, a process that can increase certain medical risks. ABC News medical correspondent Darien Sutton explained on Excellent Morning America in 2025: “small alterations in sleep, even slight reductions, can negatively affect health, increasing stress hormones.”
Sutton noted that during the two days following the time change, the risk of heart attacks and strokes is higher, particularly among women and older adults. To mitigate these effects, she recommends going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier in the days leading up to the change, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding alcohol consumption.
Another recommendation for protecting the circadian rhythm is to expose yourself to at least 15 minutes of natural light after waking up and to take a morning walk.
“Going to bed earlier is key, especially during the first week,” Sutton emphasized during her appearance on ABC7NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does daylight saving time commence in 2026?
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., when clocks are moved forward one hour.
Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
Arizona (except for the Nation Navajo), Hawai’i, and the U.S. Territories of Samoa Americana, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe daylight saving time.
When does daylight saving time end?
Daylight saving time ends on November 1, when clocks are turned back to standard time.
How might you prepare for the shift in schedule and prioritize your well-being during this transition?
