Daylight Savings Time

What is daylight savings time?

Daylight savings time occurs when we advance the clocks ahead one hour for the summer months. This gives us an extra hour of daylight in the evenings that we typically would not have.

When is daylight savings time?

In 2013, daylight savings time begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 10th and ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 3rd.

Who recognizes it in the United States?

Daylight savings time is practiced by almost all of the United States, with the exceptions of Arizona, Hawaii, and several territories like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

I’ll be traveling. How does daylight savings time affect me?

The practice of daylight savings time varies by region. Some countries don’t recognize daylight savings time at all. Check with your destination to make sure you’re operating on the same time schedule as the locals.

Does the southern hemisphere practice daylight savings time?

Many locations in the southern hemisphere also practice daylight savings time. However, rather than being observed from March/April through October/November, it starts sometime between September and November and ends between March and April.

Which way do I move the clocks?

It’s easiest to use the adage “Spring forward, fall behind” to remember to move the clocks ahead one hour in the spring and back one hour in the autumn.

How can I ease the adjustment?

Implementing daylight savings time is similar to a forced version of jet lag. Even just one hour difference can have an effect on your body. To help ease the transition, try to go to bed a little earlier a night or two before. The Sunday after the transition, don’t stay in bed, but get up and expose your body to daylight.

When did it start?

While the idea has been discussed for centuries, the actual practice of daylight savings time In the United States started during World War I. However, it did not come into regular practice until the 1970s.

Do you do anything to prepare for daylight savings time? Tell us in the comments below.

 

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.