There is a great article on the history of Daylight Saving Time and why it came to be at Daylight Saving Time, but basically it is in effect to take better advantage of utilizing daylight hours for work and energy efficiencies. In 2007 the length of Daylight Saving Time increased 4 additional weeks due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. So now, those US areas who participate in Daylight Saving Time move their clocks forward the 2nd weekend in March and move them back the 1st weekend in November.
So while you might lose an hour of sleep this weekend, don't fret because come November, you'll get it back. In the meantime, celebrate the extra daylight, the lower utility bills and the coming of Spring and Summer.
If you haven't already...spring ahead!