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Don’t Forget to Spring Forward!

SpringforwardA
Alright, folks, it's that time of year again—when we collectively lose an hour of sleep but gain an hour of evening sunshine. Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025, so before you hit the hay tonight, set those clocks ahead one hour. (Or, let's be real, just let your phone do it for you and be pleasantly surprised in the morning.)

Wait, Why Do We Even Do This?

Daylight Saving Time was introduced in the U.S. during World War I as a way to conserve energy—more daylight in the evening meant less electricity use. The idea was brought back during World War II and then officially adopted nationwide in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act.

The goal? More daylight after work hours, reduced energy consumption, and (theoretically) happier, more productive people. In reality, it's mostly an excuse to remind us how bad we are at adjusting our sleep schedules.

So… Why Are We Still Doing This?

That's the question a lot of people are asking! Over the past few years, there's been growing debate about whether DST is still relevant. Here's why some people want to ditch it:
☀️ Health Concerns: Studies show the time change can mess with our sleep, leading to increased heart attacks, strokes, and even workplace accidents in the days following the switch.
☀️ Productivity Issues: That groggy Monday morning? It's real. The time change disrupts our circadian rhythm, making us less focused and productive.
☀️ Does It Really Save Energy? Some studies suggest the energy savings aren't as significant as they once were, especially with modern electricity usage patterns.

In fact, the Sunshine Protection Act, a bill proposing to make daylight saving time permanent, has been introduced multiple times in Congress. While it hasn't passed yet, many states have expressed interest in doing away with the twice-a-year clock-changing ritual.

Until Then… Just Remember to Change Your Clocks!

Whether you love the extra evening sunlight or just see this as an annual annoyance, DST is here for now. So set those clocks forward, get an extra cup of coffee ready for tomorrow, and enjoy those longer, brighter evenings ahead!



WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes

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