Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday: What You Need To Know

Daylight Saving Time Starts Sunday: What You Need To Know...

The clocks are about to change, and Americans are searching for answers. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins this Sunday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., prompting a surge in online queries as people prepare to "spring forward."

This annual shift means losing an hour of sleep but gaining an extra hour of daylight in the evenings. The topic is trending on Google Trends in the U.S. as millions seek reminders and tips to adjust to the time change.

The transition impacts daily routines, from sleep schedules to commuting patterns. Experts recommend gradually adjusting bedtime earlier in the days leading up to the change to minimize disruption. The National Sleep Foundation warns that losing even an hour of sleep can temporarily affect mood, focus, and productivity.

Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918 to conserve energy during World War I. While some states, like Arizona and Hawaii, opt out of the practice, most of the country continues to observe it. Efforts to make DST permanent have gained traction in recent years, with the Senate passing the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022. However, the bill has yet to advance in the House.

Public opinion remains divided. Supporters argue that extended daylight hours boost outdoor activities and reduce energy consumption. Critics, however, point to health risks, including increased heart attack rates and traffic accidents in the days following the time change.

As Sunday approaches, reminders are flooding social media and news outlets. Smartphones and most digital devices will automatically update, but manual clocks, microwaves, and car dashboards will need to be adjusted manually.

For now, Daylight Saving Time remains a twice-yearly ritual. Whether you love it or loathe it, mark your calendar: this Sunday, it’s time to spring forward.