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This story was originally published in 2015. Portions of it have been updated.

It's that time of year again when clocks spring forward and everyone grumbles about losing an hour of sleep. That's right — 

 a purpose to it. Since we end up gaining more daylight in the evenings, it's meant to save energy by reducing electricity usage.


In the United States, daylight time runs from 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March until 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November in areas that don't exempt themselves. 


Most of the United States observes the time change, but not every place makes the switch. The exceptions are Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas. 

The rules

From CNN


But is it truly beneficial? A 2014 Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 

 of American adults think daylight saving time is worth the hassle. 


There are also conflicting reports over whether switching over to daylight time is hazardous to your health and the economy. 

Here's a roundup of some of that coverage. Which side are you on? 


P.S. Now is a good time to change the batteries on your smoke detectors, too.

 Dr. Anthony Levitt, a scientist at the Sunnybrook Research Institute, said that as the days get longer, the effects of seasonal affective disorder fade away.

More daylight = less time on your couch + more time outdoors

Environmental economist Hendrick Wolf and his colleagues were among several groups that found a boost in recreational activities. He elaborated in this 

It's good for the economy, so everybody wins

The theory is that because people are out later, they spend more money. Here's what Michael Downing, a Tufts University lecturer and author of "Spring Forward:  The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time," 

 You're losing sleep not just for one night. Dr. Charles Czeisler, a sleep medicine professor, 

Spring forward with 10 sleep tips

Did he say more accidents? Several studies have found that 

 after we make the switch to daylight saving time because of groggy drivers. 

We're less productive at work and its costing America

 published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found workers "cyberloaf" — surf the Web, check Facebook, watch cat videos — at a higher rate on the Monday after springing forward. By one estimate, this lack of productivity, in addition to health woes and workplace injuries as a result of sleepiness, is costing the American economy 

Daylight saving time: Good or bad for you?

Go Deeper.

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