US and Canada Begin Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m., residents in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces adjusted their clocks forward one hour to mark the start of daylight saving time, extending evening daylight through the warmer months. This annual shift affects millions, though it represents the final clock change for British Columbia, which has adopted permanent daylight saving time.

The transition aims to provide more usable evening light during spring and summer, a practice rooted in energy conservation efforts from over a century ago. In the United States and much of Canada, the change disrupts sleep patterns for many, leading to temporary adjustments in daily routines. Officials recommend strategies to ease the effects, such as maintaining regular exercise, eating nutritious breakfasts, staying hydrated, and exposing oneself to natural sunlight. Avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can also help, along with going to bed slightly earlier and rising at the usual time regardless of the altered sunrise.

Research indicates the spring forward carries notable health risks. Studies have linked the time shift to a spike in car accidents, with one analysis attributing 30 fatalities...