Americans lost an hour of sleep this Sunday as Daylight Saving Time (DST) took effect, marking the annual practice of moving clocks forward to extend evening daylight. In 2025, DST began on March 9 at 2 AM local time, with clocks jumping to 3 AM. The change will remain in place until November 2, when clocks "fall back" an hour.

The goal of DST is to optimise energy use and align daily schedules with natural light. By shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, the practice provides longer daylight hours in summer but results in darker mornings.

However, not all states participate. Hawaii and most of Arizona opt out, citing their unique climates. Arizona, for instance, found no benefit in extending daylight during its hottest months. The Navajo Nation, however, still follows DST.

Europe will begin its own transition later this month, with clocks moving forward an hour on March 30 at 1 AM GMT. Most European countries observe DST to make better use of daylight during the spring and summer.

Despite its long history—dating back to the Standard Time Act of 1918—DST remains a topic of debate in the U.S. The Department of Transportation oversees the system, citing benefits like energy conservation and crime reduction. However, efforts to make DST permanent have repeatedly stalled in Congress.

Former President Donald Trump, who previously supported abolishing the practice, recently expressed mixed feelings. “It’s a 50-50 issue,” he said last Thursday. “Some people want more daylight in the evening, while others don’t want to take their kids to school in the dark.”

For now, the tradition of “springing forward” and “falling back” continues, leaving Americans to adjust their schedules once again.