Spring is officially here. The temperatures are rising, the flowers are blooming, and our allergies are becoming more and more frenetic. It’s also the time to set our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time. Continue our article below to find out when we’ll spring forward for Daylight Savings Time 2026 and what that entails:
When is 2026 Daylight Savings Time?
Daylight Savings Time occurs annually on the second Sunday of March. Specifically, Daylight Savings Time till take place on Sunday, March 8 at 2 am, when clocks move forward one hour (to 3 am). This means you’ll trade an hour of one night’s sleep for daylight.
Because March 1, 2026 was a Sunday, Daylight Savings Time this years occurs just one week into the month, or otherwise, at the earliest possible time.
What does Daylight Savings Time mean for your health?
While an extra an hour of sunlight does come with myriad health benefits, springing forward does have its drawbacks. No one wants to lose an hour of sleep, for one. Moreover, the changing of the clocks causes a disruption in our circadian rhythms, which are synchronized to natural light. As such, it takes a while for many to adjust to the shift.
Other associated health advisories pertain to increased cardiovascular stress, mood swings, as well as digestive and metabolic effects – according to research.
To mitigate potential health risks, experts recommend adhering to a sleep routine and going to bed 15-60 minutes earlier than usual – avoiding afternoon caffeine, alcohol, or other possible sleep disruptors – as well as going outside as soon as possible Sunday and Monday morning to help reset the internal clock. Exercising in the morning is also a good way to wake up and stabilize your internal clock.
Why is Daylight Savings Time a thing?
In 1916, Germany was the first to adopt Daylight Savings Time. Later adopted by the U.S., its earliest motives were to save on energy resources for the war effort by eliminating the need for artificial light in the evening. In modern times, DST is in part kept alive by retail and recreation industries, wherein people are more likely to shop, dine, and/or partake in recreational activities like golfing when it’s still light out.