Fast forward one hour in watches will once again change the daily rhythm of the majority of Americans March 8 at 2 amdate on which the daylight saving time period (summer time) begins in USA.
This practice, which involves losing an hour of sleep early on Sunday, persists as a federal measure with the aim of taking advantage of a greater number of hours of sleep. sunshine during the day, although its impact on health and the validity of the system continue under public debate, as reported ABC7NYthe local ABC News affiliate in New York.
The change, in effect since the passage of the Standard Time Act in 1918, affects virtually all states, the District of Columbia and the Navajo Nationleft alone Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), Hawaii and US territories such as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
In the current calendar, the daylight saving phase extends until November 1according to data from the US Naval Observatorythe official timekeeping agency of the United States.
The officially correct term is “daylight saving time”, although the variant “daylight savings time” has become popular in everyday use. The practice consists of adjusting the clocks one hour forward on the second Sunday in March, a tradition maintained uninterruptedly since 2007, when the current change date was set in the national calendar.
This time adjustment policy was originally established as a measure to save energy, allowing the population to take advantage of more daytime hours for daily and work activities, a strategy that dates back to the approval of the Standard Time Act in March 1918, according to the Library of Congressthe United States’ premier national research library.
The central idea was to maximize the use of natural light and reduce dependence on artificial lighting.
Since its formal establishment, the implementation of daylight saving time in most jurisdictions has generated periodic discussions about its relevance and consequences. The practice takes place every year, with the time change scheduled exactly at 2am localwhen clocks must be turned forward to 3 a.m.
The system faces legislative proposals for modification or abolition. The HR 7378 project, called Daylight Act of 2026represents the latest initiative in the United States Congress, suggesting a modification: adjusting the clocks only half an hour instead of the traditional full hour.
The debate remains open, but the current schedule will continue at least for the next few years, he reported. ABC7NYthe local ABC News affiliate in New York.
States and regions not obligated to follow the change appear to be in the minority. Arizonaoutside the Navajo Nation, and Hawaii They keep your clock unchanged. The same occurs in all extracontinental US territories.
Time change can have direct health consequences linked to sleep deprivation. By losing an hour of rest, the body requires days to adapt, a process that can increase certain medical risks. ABC News medical correspondent Darien Suttonhe explained in the program Good Morning America in 2025: “Small alterations in sleep, even slight reductions, can negatively affect health by increasing stress hormones.”
Sutton said that during the two days after the time change, the risk of heart attacks and strokes is higher, especially in women and older adults. To mitigate these effects, it is recommended to advance bedtime between 15 to 20 minutes In the days before the change, maintain a regular sleeping pattern and avoid alcohol consumption.
Another concrete suggestion to protect the circadian rhythm It consists of exposing yourself to natural light for at least 15 minutes after waking up and taking advantage of the opportunity to take a morning walk.
“Earlier bedtime is essential, particularly during the first week”Sutton insisted during his speech at ABC7NY.
