Most Americans will lose one hour of sleep when daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 8, 2026, as clocks spring forward to 3 a.m. The change extends evening daylight through summer and ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, when clocks fall back one hour at 2 a.m.

Daylight Savings Time

Under the Uniform Time Act and 2005 extensions, DST runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. In 2026, that covers about 34 weeks, or roughly 65% of the year.

Exemptions remain unchanged: Hawaii, most of Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and other U.S. territories stay on standard time year-round.

The shift aims to save energy by better matching daylight with daily activity, though studies show mixed results. Proponents enjoy longer evenings for recreation; critics highlight short-term health risks including sleep disruption, higher accident rates and small increases in heart issues immediately after the spring change.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine continues advocating for permanent standard time, citing better alignment with natural circadian rhythms and fewer disruptions.

Public opinion largely favors ending the biannual switch, though Americans remain split between permanent DST (more evening light year-round) and permanent standard time (brighter winter mornings).

In Congress, the Sunshine Protection Act — reintroduced in 2025 by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) — seeks to make DST permanent after one final spring-forward adjustment. A newer Daylight Act of 2026, introduced Feb. 4 by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), proposes a permanent 30-minute forward shift from current standard time nationwide, creating a fixed "half-daylight" offset to avoid full misalignment with solar noon while eliminating clock changes.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for ending the practice, describing it as inconvenient and costly, though no executive action has advanced the issue.

State-level efforts persist, with bills in places like California and Rhode Island exploring permanent standard time or regional alignments, but federal law limits unilateral moves to permanent DST.

As March 8 nears, reminders urge setting clocks forward Saturday night. Most smartphones and computers adjust automatically, but manual checks are recommended for ovens, vehicles and other devices.

With legislative proposals active and public frustration high, 2026 could mark continued momentum toward ending seasonal time changes — though for now, prepare to spring forward.