When and Why Daylight Savings Happens

Why daylight savings started

Daylight savings is when we move our clocks forward in spring and back in fall to make better use of daylight. The idea was first proposed in the late 19th century as a way to conserve energy by shifting more waking hours into sunlight. When World War I began, many countries, including the U.S., adopted daylight savings to reduce fuel consumption for lighting. Over time, it became a seasonal tradition tied to the rhythm of longer summer days and shorter winter nights.

FAQs

Q: When did daylight savings time start?

A: In the United States, daylight savings time first became official in 1918 under the Standard Time Act. After several changes over the years, the current schedule was set by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which begins daylight savings on the second Sunday in March and ends it on the first Sunday in November. During this period, clocks are set one hour ahead of standard time.

Q: Is daylight savings time ending permanently in the U.S.?

A: There’s been ongoing debate about whether daylight savings should end permanently. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, proposing that daylight savings time remain year-round. However, as of now, the change has not been approved by the House of Representatives, so we continue to switch between daylight savings vs. standard time each year.

Q: Do we gain an extra hour of sleep?

A: Yes! When daylight savings ends in the fall, clocks “fall back” one hour, which gives most people an extra hour of sleep that night. When it begins in the spring, however, we “lose” that hour as we move clocks forward. It can take a few days for our internal clocks to adjust, so it’s common to feel slightly off schedule after the time change.

Final Thought:

Whether you love the extra daylight or can’t wait for your cozy evening routine to return, the twice-a-year clock change remains one of those quirks that connects us all. So when the time comes, take a moment to reset your favorite clock (like the hand crafted clocks we sell at The Handmade Showroom in downtown Seattle), and maybe enjoy the small ritual that marks the turning of the seasons.

For a look at our full home decor selection including clocks, visit us here: https://thehandmadeshowroom.com/collections/home-decor