Time’s Up for DST? Americans Weigh In on Ending the Clock Change in 2026

With the earliest start to Daylight Saving Time set for March 8, 2026, the national debate over changing the clocks is gaining momentum. As lawmakers consider whether to eliminate the biannual switch altogether, many Americans are questioning whether the practice still makes sense. A new
Payless Power survey of 1,006 U.S. adults explores where public opinion stands, how views have shifted since 2022, and how the clock change affects sleep, routines, mental health, and even energy use.

• Over 3 in 5 Americans (65%) want DST eliminated in 2026.
• More than half (59%) support a federal law to permanently end DST, while only 19% oppose it.
• 52% of Americans dislike DST, while only 24% like it.
• 3 in 4 Americans (76%) have experienced at least one negative physical or cognitive symptom in the days following a clock change.
• 1 in 7 Americans (15%) have missed an appointment, meeting, or commitment due to clock confusion after a DST change.
• 71% of Gen X Americans want to eliminate DST, the most of any generation, compared to 55% of Gen Z.
• American support for eliminating DST has not dipped below 60% in any Payless Power survey since 2022, peaking at 74% in 2023 and holding at 65% in 2026.
• Nevada, Georgia, and California residents have the most interest in Daylight Saving Time, based on per capita searches for DST-related terms over the past year.

Americans Want to End the Clock Change

• Americans’ dislike for DST rose from 47% in 2022 to a peak of 57% in 2023, before easing to 52% in 2026.
• American support for eliminating DST peaked at 74% in 2023 and has stayed above 60% in every survey since 2022.
• 80% of Americans said the decision on DST should be made at the federal level, not left to individual states.
• The top reason Americans want to eliminate DST is that it’s an outdated practice with no modern benefit (43%), ahead of sleep disruption (37%) and productivity loss (24%).
• Gen Z Americans have been the least supportive generation across all survey waves: 45% in 2022, 62% in 2023, and 55% in 2026.

How DST Disrupts Sleep, Mood, and Productivity

• Falling back in November is harder on Americans than springing forward: 48% report experiencing a negative effect in the fall vs. 42% for the spring change.
• 35% of Americans said the clock change makes it harder to manage their family’s routines, and 29% said it affects their appetite or eating schedule.
• The top symptoms Americans report are increased fatigue (45%), feeling “off” without explanation (45%), and difficulty sleeping (40%).
• 59% said the time change disrupts their sleep for several days.
• 51% said it negatively affected their mood or mental health.
• 43% said their productivity at work or school suffered in the days following the change.
• 39% said they felt more stressed or anxious in the week of a clock change.

The Energy Question: Myth or Reality?

• 63% believe DST has no meaningful impact on household energy use, while 22% think it increases their home energy costs.
• Among those who believe DST increases costs, 35% have never considered adjusting their energy use in response.
• Only 5% of Americans regularly adjust their home energy use around the clock change.

Searching for DST Info

The Top States Searching for Daylight Saving Time per Capita

1. Nevada
2. Georgia
3. California
4. North Carolina
5. Texas
6. Virginia
7. Florida
8. Colorado
9. Louisiana
10. New Mexico

The Bottom States Searching for Daylight Saving Time per Capita

50. Hawaii 49. Arizona 48. Alaska 47. Wisconsin 46. Rhode Island 45. Minnesota 44. New Jersey 43. Idaho 42. Iowa 41. Maine

Methodology

We surveyed 1,006 Americans about their thoughts and experiences with Daylight Saving Time. When analyzing various demographics, we ensured that at least 5% of respondents represented a specific group. Due to rounding, percentages in this study may not total 100.

Additionally, we analyzed Google search volume data from February 2025 to February 2026 to identify which states searched for DST most frequently on a per capita basis. Our analysis examined over 270 DST-related search terms across all 50 states and ranked them accordingly to highlight where
curiosity and concern about the clock change was highest.

Historical comparisons are from prior Payless Power DST surveys conducted in 2022, 2023, and 2024, including:
Beyond the Clock: Exploring the Nation’s Pulse on Daylight Saving Time,
Daylight Saving Sentiments, and Americans Speak Out: The Problems With Daylight Savings. Because survey instruments and demographic compositions varied across waves,
trend comparisons reflect directional movement rather than statistically controlled longitudinal analysis.

About Payless Power

Payless Power helps Texas residents take control of their electricity bills with prepaid energy plans that don’t require a credit check or deposit. Payless Power offers affordable, flexible electricity
options to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.

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