More daylight is just days away. This weekend, clocks will move forward by an hour, and you'll notice longer daylight in the evenings. Yes, we'll have more time in the sun, but the change comes with disruptions in sleep patterns and a shift in our circadian rhythm, which is basically our body's internal clock. And not all experts are in favor of this change continuing.
When does daylight saving time start?
Daylight saving time starts Sunday at 2 a.m. local time. The start of DST usually means you'll "spring forward." You'll lose an hour of sleep, but gain longer periods of daylight in the evening. On the first Sunday of November at 2 a.m. local time, you'll "fall back" and gain an hour of sleep, but you'll also deal with darker evenings.
Daylight Saving vs. Standard Time
The difference between daylight saving time and standard time boils down to how you adjust your clock for more or less daylight.
We're wrapping up standard time, which is the local time in your time zone. On Sunday, we'll be in daylight saving time, which moves the clock forward an hour. You'll notice that daylight lasts longer. Daylight saving time is during the spring and summer.
Why aren't experts fans of time changes?
Nasha Addarich Martinez, CNET's managing editor, says most sleep experts don't like time changes because any time change disrupts our circadian rhythm, even if it's only an hour.
"This can lead to chronic sleep loss and reduced sleep quality -- especially REM and deep sleep phases," Martinez says. "The sleepiness also poses safety risks," such as driving while sleepy.
It can also be extremely difficult for people with young children or babies, given their feeding and sleeping schedules, she adds.
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