When is Spring Forward?

It's that time of year again! When the days get longer and the nights get shorter, it's time to "spring forward" and set our clocks ahead one hour. But when exactly does spring forward happen?

In the United States, spring forward occurs on the second Sunday of March. In 2023, that means spring forward will happen on Sunday, March 12th. At 2:00 AM that morning, clocks will be set ahead to 3:00 AM, giving us an extra hour of daylight.

Spring forward is a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s, when many farmers and businesses began to set their clocks ahead in the spring to take advantage of the longer daylight hours. The practice was eventually adopted by most of the United States, and in 1966, the Uniform Time Act was passed, making spring forward (and fall back) a permanent part of our timekeeping system.

There are many benefits to spring forward, including:

* More daylight hours: Spring forward gives us an extra hour of daylight in the evening, which can be a great time to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, or just relax on the patio.
* Reduced energy consumption: When we set our clocks ahead, we use less artificial light in the evening, which can save energy.
* Improved mood: Some studies have shown that spring forward can improve our mood and energy levels.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to spring forward, including:

* Loss of sleep: When we set our clocks ahead, we lose an hour of sleep, which can make us feel tired and groggy the next day.
* Disrupted sleep patterns: Spring forward can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day.
* Increased risk of accidents: Studies have shown that there is an increase in car accidents in the days following spring forward, likely due to driver fatigue.

Overall, the benefits of spring forward outweigh the drawbacks. If you're having trouble adjusting to the time change, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

* Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
* Get plenty of sunlight during the day. This will help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
* Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can interfere with sleep.
* Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.

If you're still having trouble adjusting to spring forward after a few days, see your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is making it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep.