(KTLA) – Ready for long days and short nights? When we move to spring, it’s almost time to translate those hours again.
In virtually every U.S. state on March 13 at 2 a.m. the standard time will change to daylight saving time; Hawaii and much of Arizona do not appreciate the bi-yearly translation of watches, and so will be able to stay current.
While switching to daylight saving time will lead to later sunsets in the coming months – which many look forward to on long winter nights – it also means we will lose a precious hour on the weekend when the weather changes.
Studies show that the disorder can have a negative impact on people’s health, including sleep loss and heart problems. It can also mess with the body’s internal clock, which in turn is linked to obesity, depression and diabetes, among other problems. Associated Press reports.
In addition, studies link the period immediately after the change of time with the increase in traffic accidents.
More than a dozen states have moved to the introduction of a year-round transition to summer time, and the measures are approved either by law or by voting measures. But without a Congressional decision, states cannot simply switch to daylight saving time because of the Unified Time Act, passed in 1966. By law, the state is allowed to stay in standard time all year round at will.
Currently, there are bills in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate that seek to change that, but both have been leaning in committees for months.
So, if something doesn’t change, much of the U.S. will “return” to the standard time at 2 a.m. Nov. 6.