SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 a.m. for most states, except for Hawaii and Arizona (which never change their clocks forward or backward). You will be losing an hour overnight as you “spring forward” and move your clocks ahead one hour.

Smoke Alarms

Fire officials use the time change to remind the public about these few quick tips in checking smoke alarms:

  • 10-Year Battery Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. Replace the alarm 10 years after installation. There is a space to mark the date of installation and replacement on the inside back panel of the smoke alarm.
  • If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
  • Replaceable Battery Smoke Alarms: Change the battery at least once a year. If it chirps, replace it right away.
  • Use the right batteries: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing batteries. Using an incorrect type may cause the alarm to malfunction.

When clocks “spring forward” to start daylight saving time, people lose one hour of sleep. Time changes can be tough on the body.

Federal Law Does Not Allow for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, putting daylight saving time (DST) into law. In 2018, California voters approved Proposition 7, which gave the state legislature the power to change DST. However, the state legislature has not passed any legislation to change it, and even if they did, it would still need the governor’s signature and U.S. Senate approval – and it is currently against federal law to change it.

In 2022, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a measure, the Sunshine Protection Act, that would have made DST permanent across the U.S.; however, the legislation was never brought to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.

That could change though with a new bill in Washington, D.C., the “Daylight Act,” where states would have the choice of whether to change the clocks and adhere to daylight saving time or not.

Even though they can’t change to permanent DST, states can currently exempt themselves from changing clocks to DST, like Hawaii and Arizona. The Nevada legislature currently has Assembly Bill 81 that would exempt themselves from DST and take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, if passed. Known as the “Lock the Clock Act,” those living on the state line of Nevada and California would have different time zones if passed. If Nevada passes the act, not being on DST would make the summer solstice sunrise at 4:32 a.m. and sunrise in the middle of winter at 8:15 a.m. The sunset on the solstice would be 7:30 p.m.

Adjusting to Time Change

Those in the health field suggest people gradually adjust their schedule prior to the time change, practice good sleep hygiene, and get enough daylight. 

Adjust your schedule

  • Shift your bedtime and wake time by 15 minutes each day in the days leading up to the time change 
  • Adjust other daily routines, like mealtimes, to match your new schedule 

Practice good sleep hygiene 

  • Go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day
  • Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
  • Limit your use of alcohol and electronic devices before bed
  • Avoid naps too late in the afternoon or evening

Get enough daylight

  • Spend time outside in natural light, especially in the morning 
  • Use light therapy boxes to boost mood and energy levels