Every second Sunday of March, there comes the time when the clocks jump an hour ahead, and many sleep schedules get thrown into disarray. On Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m., most clocks nationwide were set an hour forward marking the beginning of daylight saving time — and like clockwork every year, people have mixed feelings about the change.

Daylight saving time provides extra hours of sunlight in the summer by “springing forward” an hour in March, but shortens the days in winter, or “falling back” an hour near the end of November. Some enjoy longer evenings with more daylight, while others find the adjustment frustrating — especially the hassle of changing their clocks.

Cal State LA freshman James Palabalan appreciates the time change in the summer because it allows him to spend more time outside in the evening.

“I like having more time in my days to be out during the night,” Palabalan said.

The time change makes Palabalan feel productive, and more accomplished in getting tasks done for the day.

“I feel like I have more time in my day to get things done,” Palabalan said.

Having experienced the time change for as long as he can remember, daylight saving time has become a normal part of his life. 

“I have been so accustomed to it for my entire life, I like it,” he said.

Political science professor Taylor Dark doesn’t mind Daylight Saving time — though he admits there is one inconvenience.

“It’s annoying to change my clocks,” Dark said. 

Dark doesn’t see the change as a major disruption to his life, and said he gets used to the shift after a few days. For others, switching the clocks twice a year feels unnecessary, leaving standard time in effect for only four months. Sophomore Rachelle Villada believes daylight saving time serves no real purpose. For her, the disruption outweighs any benefits.

“I have a set schedule, and when the time changes, it throws off my routine,” she said.

She also feels California should do away with it entirely, adding that she thinks it’s “pointless to keep changing the clocks.”

Seasonal affective disorder causes people to become depressed during winter due to a lack of sunlight, and shifting the clock has been shown to relieve these symptoms.

Daylight saving time dates back to 1895 when George Hudson, a New Zealand bug collector, proposed adjusting the clocks to allow for more evening sunlight to study and collect insects.

The concept became official during World War I, with Germany being the first country to implement daylight saving time in 1916 as a way to conserve energy. By 1974, most countries had adopted the practice.

Despite its long-standing tradition, daylight saving time is not observed everywhere. 

According to National Geographic, “Today about 70 countries around the world practice daylight saving time, but an estimated 80% of countries do not use daylight saving time.”

Most places near the equator don’t observe the time switch since their daylight hours remain consistent year-round. In the U.S., Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa have opted out altogether.

“Several states have introduced legislation advocating for a permanent switch to standard time,” according to the Council of State Governments. 

The future of daylight saving time is uncertain. With strong opinions on both sides, the debate continues.