On the Second Sunday in March, and this year was March 8th, 2026, people across the United States move their clocks forward one hour for Daylight saving time begins, a long standing practice meant to make better use of daylight but still debated by lawmakers in the United State Congress.

The idea of adjusting clocks to save daylight dates back more than a century. The United States first adopted the practice during World War I, as a way to conserve fuel and energy. Years later, the system was standardized through the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which created a consistent schedule for when clocks should change across most of the country. 

Today, most states follow Daylight Saving Time, but there are a few exceptions. For example, Arizona, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico do not follow the clock changes.“ I knew that Arizona did not follow daylight savings but was unaware of  Hawaii and Puerto Rico too,” said Sophia Pankratova. “And it is a little strange for me why they do not follow the rest of the United States’ decision on daylight savings”. Around the World, different countries have their own rules about whether to use the system or abandon it completely.

Some experts argue that Daylight Saving Time is no longer as useful as it once was. Modern technology, electricity, and flexible work schedules mean people are less dependent on daylight hours than in the past. Critics also say the time change can disrupt sleep patterns and daily routines for many people. “ It does affect my daily routine specifically on my sleep schedule”, said Melina Pankratova. “Which disrupts the amount of sleep I get before adjusting to the new time”.

Despite the debate, Daylight Saving time remains in place for now in most of the United States. Lawmakers in the United States Congress have discussed possible changes, but no nationwide decision has been made. For now, Americans will continue adjusting their clocks twice a year while the debate about its relevance continues.