Love it or hate it, our annual ritual of early March – daylight saving time – is coming this weekend.
At 2 a.m. Sunday, the few analog clocks still around must "spring forward" an hour, turning 1:59:59 a.m. into 3 a.m.
Since most of our computers, smartphones and DVRs do it automatically, it's not as much of a chore as it used to be. Unless you have smart appliances, microwaves and ovens are on the short list of household items that would need a manual adjustment.
Here are some questions answered about daylight saving time.
Do we gain or lose an hour?
We all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday when going to DST, as the day is only 23 hours long. Starting Sunday, that one hour of daylight is basically shifted from morning to evening as daylight saving time begins.
We don't go back to standard time until Sunday, Nov. 1.
Who's in charge of time?
Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation is in charge of daylight saving time and all time zones in the U.S. "The oversight of time zones was assigned to DOT because time standards are important for many modes of transportation," according to the department's website.
Why do we observe daylight saving time?
The DOT says daylight saving is observed because it saves energy, saves lives by preventing traffic accidents and reduces crime.
The agency also says people tend to spend more time outside during daylight saving time, meaning they run household appliances and lights less during those eight months. Also, the DOT says, it prevents traffic incidents because people are driving around more during the light hours.
Health impacts:How daylight saving time affects your sleep and overall health
It also is a crime deterrent, DOT says, because people are out during the daylight and not at night, "when more crime occurs."
What are the downsides to DST?
Not everyone agrees it offers energy-saving benefits, however. Some studies report the time switch saves energy on lighting but is surpassed by increases in heating and air conditioning. It can also mess with our sleep patterns, at least temporarily.
Content curtesy of USA Today
Cover art by 10th Street Middle School student.