Don't Forget to 'Spring Forward' on Sunday

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Updated: 6:53 PM Mar 12, 2010 Don't Forget to 'Spring Forward' on Sunday Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. It begins this Sunday morning (3/14) at 2 a.m. Posted: 7:25 AM Mar 12, 2010 Reporter: WSAW Staff

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The U.S. returns to Daylight Saving Time this weekend, when clocks are moved ahead one hour early Sunday morning.

Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October.

Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer since 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, with the hope that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine member Pete Bils says that hour can make a big difference.

He cited figures that show a 17-percent increase in traffic accidents attributed to the time change and loss of sleep.

Bils noted many Americans are already deprived of sleep, making the loss of an hour even more serious for them.

He advises people to prepare for Daylight Saving Time by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, beginning a few nights before the switch.

Bils says it can also be helpful to get into the brightest light possible right after awakening on the first few days after the time change.

While he said natural light is best, he noted any bright light will do.

Courtesy: OzarksFirst.com

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