Spring ahead, fall back

Having trouble getting your kids up for school this week? You might thank Daylight Saving Time. When we remove an hour from our days by springing ahead, it may take awhile for our bodies to catch up.

Here are some facts that will help you—and your family—better understand the history and the rationale behind our annual hour swap.

• The official name of the program is Daylight Saving (not Savings) Time.
• The idea originated with Benjamin Franklin, who wrote this letter to the Journal de Paris in 1784.
• Daylight Saving Time was first instituted in the United States during World War I to save energy for war production. Find out more about the history in America and other parts of the world at About.com.
• You can also find more facts about Daylight Saving Time at time and date.com.

One more tidbit—Arizona is the only state that doesn't go on Daylight Saving Time. Our friends there say they have enought summertime daylight that they don't need to save any. Probably true.