Georgia has passed a law to keep the clocks in Daylight Saving Time year-round.
So why are we still changing the clocks?
Deposit Photos
Hey, do you know what time it is? It’s just about time to change the clocks! That’s right, Daylight Saving Time is coming up and we need to be prepared for it.
Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to change the clocks in Atlanta — including an update on that law Georgia passed to eliminate the twice-yearly time shifts.
First of all, when is daylight saving time?
Well, it starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
This year, that means we have to move our clocks forward one hour on March 10th at 2 a.m. and move them back one hour on November 3rd at 2 a.m. Spring ahead; fall behind!
The most common strategy seems to be changing clocks at bedtime rather than getting up at 2 a.m. to do it, although some people wait and change them upon waking the next morning.
These days, you may have nothing to change, unless you use the clock on your microwave. Phones, computers, and other electronics are programmed to adjust the time automatically when DST starts and ends.
By the way, the correct name is SAVING, and not SAVINGS with an extra “S” on the end!
But why do we have to do this?
What’s the point of changing the clocks twice a year?
The idea behind Daylight Saving Time is to make better use of the natural daylight by shifting it from the morning to the evening. This way, we can enjoy more sunlight in the evening, which can have positive effects on our mood, health, energy, and productivity.
Some studies also suggest that daylight saving time can reduce traffic accidents, crime, and electricity consumption. Of course, there are other studies that suggest just the opposite!
The controversies and debate
Not everyone is a fan of Daylight Saving Time.
Some people find it annoying, confusing, or even harmful to their sleep and health. You’ll see a lot of grumbling on social media about the time change this spring! The folks who wake up to work an early shift don’t appreciate commuting in the dark. (See our list of tips, below, for coping with the effects of the time change.)
Some states have decided not to observe Daylight Saving Time at all, or to stick to one time zone all year round. For example, Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and most of Indiana do not follow DST.
In recent years, the debate over the usefulness and necessity of Daylight Saving Time has gained momentum. State legislatures have grappled with the decision to either stick with the biannual clock adjustments or break away from this long-standing practice.
Where does Georgia stand in all this?
Georgia, too, has entered the debate, and has even passed a law to keep the clocks in Daylight Saving Time year-round.
So why are we still changing the clocks?
Because the individual states can not enact such a law unless Congress amends the Uniform Time Act. This federal law allows states to opt out of DST, like Arizona and Hawaii have done — but it does not allow states to permanently stay in DST without switching back to Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the fall.
If Congress passes legislation authorizing the states to choose their own time system, the new Georgia law will go into effect immediately, and we’ll be on DST permanently here in Atlanta.
The bottom line: For now, Georgia is still part of the Daylight Saving Time club, and we have to follow the rules. That means we have to remember to change the clocks in our homes, cars, phones, computers, and any other devices that show the time.
So mark your calendars and set your alarms for March 10th and November 3rd in 2024.
And don’t forget to enjoy the extra hour of sleep in the fall and the extra hour of sunlight in the spring.
Happy daylight saving time!
Spring ahead, fall behind! Stock image: Deposit Photos
Tips to help you cope with the time change
♦ Set your clocks ahead or back before you go to bed on the night before the change. This way, you won’t be confused or late for your appointments the next day.
♦ Adjust your sleeping habits gradually, before the time change. Start a few days in advance, and try to go to bed earlier or later by 15 minutes each night for a few days before and after the change. This will help your body adjust to the new schedule without much shock.
♦ If you’re someone who doesn’t feel the effects of the time change, be respectful of those who struggle with it. Some folks just don’t feel like themselves when we change the clocks.
♦ Practice good bedtime habits. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine within four hours of bedtime. You may also need to avoid screen time in the evening for awhile.
♦ Expose yourself to natural light as much as possible. Light is the main cue that regulates your circadian rhythm. If the time change affects your mental health, consider a light-therapy box. If it becomes harder to wake up on dark mornings, try one of those alarm clocks that becomes brighter as you wake up, to simulate the sun rising.
♦ Take short cat naps as needed, until you adjust. The experts advise limiting naps to 20 or 30 minutes. And don’t forget about exercise!
