Spring Forward: When to Change Your Clocks This Season
As spring approaches, it’s time to prepare for the seasonal clock change. This year, Daylight Saving Time will commence, resulting in one less hour of sleep. The transition will occur overnight from March 7 to March 8, 2026, at 2 AM. This marks the start of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which is four hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).
Areas Participating in Daylight Saving Time
Not all regions in Quebec will follow the time change. The practice was first adopted in the province during the 1940s to save on lighting costs. Interestingly, Basse-Côte-Nord remains on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) year-round, which aligns with Atlantic Standard Time.
Additionally, regions such as the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Listuguj in Gaspésie operate on different schedules compared to the rest of Quebec. In Canada, certain provinces, including Yukon, Saskatchewan, and some parts of British Columbia, have opted out of participating in Daylight Saving Time.
Fall Time Change
The next clock adjustment will occur in the fall, during the night of Halloween, transitioning from October 31 to November 1, 2026. At 2 AM, clocks will revert to Eastern Standard Time (EST), returning to UTC-5 and providing an extra hour of sleep.
Tips for Adapting to the Time Change
- Maintain Your Schedule: Stick to your regular meal and sleep times.
- Utilize Natural Light: Spend time outdoors to help your body adjust more quickly.
- Gradual Preparation: Consider preparing your body for the change in advance.
- Try Light Therapy: Use artificial light to reset your sleep-wake cycle, ideally for 30-60 minutes daily after waking up.
- Enhance Sleep Quality: Reduce alcohol intake and engage in some exercise, preferably in daylight.
As we embrace the longer days ahead, these strategies can ease the transition and help everyone adjust smoothly to the upcoming time changes.
