Believe it or not, Benjamin Franklin did suggest the idea in 1784, but purely as a joke to save candle wax. The real push came during World War I as a fuel-saving measure. Germany was the first country to adopt it, and the U.S. followed shortly after.
Today, about 70 countries follow some form of it, though many are ditching it. Arizona and Hawaii in the U.S. don’t participate—they value their consistent sunsets. Canada’s Yukon territory also said “no thanks” in 2026, sticking to a permanent time.
Interestingly, a 2026 YouGov poll found that 63% of Americans want to end the clock-changing tradition. The debate is now about which time to keep: permanent standard time or permanent daylight time. Either way, the dissonance continues.
Your Body’s Silent Protest
That groggy Monday after the change? It’s not your imagination. Research shows that losing just one hour of sleep increases the risk of heart attacks by up to 24% in the following week. Our circadian rhythms are not fans of sudden shifts.
To ease the pain, start adjusting your bedtime by 15 minutes a few days before. Wake up a little earlier each morning, and let the sunlight hit your eyes as soon as possible. A dose of morning sun is more powerful than any cup of coffee for resetting your internal clock.
Also, avoid the “snooze button trap.” Hitting snooze actually fragments your sleep and makes the transition harder. Set one alarm, get up, and start your day—your future self will thank you.
When do the clocks go forward? - Manchester Evening News
