Could this be the last time we set our clocks forward?

The short answer: probably not. But, the debate is louder than ever.

What was once considered a mere seasonal nuisance has evolved into a nationwide policy issue. Dissent around twice-annual clock changing has grown significantly in recent years, and many states are now in favor of permanent daylight saving time. This proposal is often referred to as “lock the clock.” 

So far, nineteen states have passed legislation in favor of making daylight saving time permanent. However, these practices cannot be implemented without the approval of Congress. Under current law, states can make standard time permanent without Congress’s agreement, but not daylight saving time. In fact, Hawaii and Alaska haven’t observed daylight saving time since 1967 and 1976 respectively. 

So, what’s the reasoning behind this change? Many medical professionals and politicians agree that we should make standard time permanent, eliminating daylight saving time altogether. One sleep scientist from Dallas Sleep, a Texas-based sleep center, claims that daylight saving time wreaks havoc on the sleep of Americans for a minimum of two weeks after it begins each year. Studies conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham concluded that there is a 10% increase in heart attacks the Monday following the beginning of daylight saving time. Adults over 65 face an even greater risk, with stroke rates rising by 20% in the days following the shift. In other words, losing an hour of sleep isn’t just annoying – it could be dangerous.

On March 8th of 2026, Americans will once again set their clocks to spring forward, even as lawmakers and medical professionals alike continue to debate whether the twice-yearly time change should become a thing of the past.