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The time change is here again: Sunday morning, at 2 a.m., clocks will roll back one hour, marking the end of daylight saving time. This change, which officially began back in March, will give us an extra hour of sleep as clocks return to standard time. Here’s everything you need to know about the practice and the ongoing debate around it.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End?
Daylight saving time, which started on March 10, officially ends this Sunday, November 3. While in springtime we lose an hour as clocks move forward, this weekend we’ll gain an extra hour, with clocks rolling back from 1:59 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Why Do We Still Change Our Clocks?
The U.S. first implemented daylight saving time with the Standard Time Act of 1918, aimed at extending evening daylight in summer. Although the act was initially repealed, it was reintroduced during World War II to save resources, then standardized across the country in 1966 with the Uniform Time Act. This law allows states to opt-out of daylight saving time if they wish, though most choose to participate.
When Will the Next Change Happen?
We’ll remain on standard time, experiencing earlier sunsets and darker evenings, until daylight saving time resumes in spring. For those looking ahead, daylight saving time will return on March 9, 2025.
Who Doesn’t Observe Daylight Saving Time?
While most of the U.S. follows daylight saving time, Hawaii and most of Arizona remain on standard time year-round.
Is the U.S. the Only Country Changing Clocks?
No, countries around the world observe some form of daylight saving time, though about two-thirds no longer participate. In Europe and North America, the practice is more common, while countries in the Southern Hemisphere observe a reversed schedule.
Could Permanent Daylight Saving Time Happen?
Efforts to make daylight saving time permanent have gained traction. In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which proposes a year-round daylight saving time schedule. This bill would still allow states like Arizona and Hawaii to remain on standard time. However, the bill has stalled in the House of Representatives, meaning clock changes will continue for now.
What Do Health Experts Say?
Health experts have mixed opinions. While some studies indicate that permanent daylight saving time could reduce traffic accidents and crime, sleep experts argue that it misaligns our schedules with natural solar time, potentially leading to health issues. Many prefer keeping standard time year-round, as it more closely aligns with our body’s natural rhythms.
This weekend, prepare to "fall back" and enjoy an extra hour of rest. The debate about permanent daylight saving time continues, so watch this space for further updates.
