Discover Essential Daylight Saving Time Tips as Clocks Fall Back This Sunday

As daylight saving time comes to a close, it’s time to adjust the clocks again. This Sunday, the clock will fall back one hour at 1 a.m. Daylight saving time, which began on March 9 this year, officially ends on November 5. Unlike spring, where we lose an hour, this Sunday will give us an extra hour as the clocks revert from 1:59 a.m. back to 1 a.m.

Understanding Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time (DST) is designed to extend evening daylight during the warmer months by shifting the clock forward in spring and back in autumn. This practice began with the Standard Time Act in 1918. Initially repealed in 1919, it was reintroduced during World War II and has evolved into a practice recognized widely across the United States.

Why We Change the Clocks

The purpose of DST is to maximize daylight usage. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized the practice, establishing set dates for the start and end of DST. Since 2007, DST begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.

Current Observance and Exceptions

While most states in the U.S. observe daylight saving time, a few do not. The following states and territories maintain standard time year-round:

• Hawaii
• Most of Arizona
• American Samoa
• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Northern Mariana Islands

Global Perspectives

Daylight saving time is not universally practiced. While many Northern Hemisphere countries, particularly in Europe and North America, observe DST, about one-third of all countries do. The start and end dates can vary significantly in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are opposite.

Debate Over Daylight Saving Time

Efforts to eliminate or modify DST have gained traction. The Sunshine Protection Act was passed by the Senate in 2022, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent. However, the bill stalled in the House. In the last seven years, 19 states have proposed legislation to maintain either standard time or DST year-round, pending federal approval.

Health Implications

Medical professionals have mixed opinions regarding the effects of year-round daylight saving time. Some studies suggest that permanent DST could reduce traffic accidents and crime rates. However, many experts argue against it, citing the importance of solar time—when the sun is at its peak—in regulating sleep patterns. Experts indicate that waking up in darkness can lead to hormonal changes that affect well-being.

Preparing for Standard Time

As we transition back to standard time, be sure to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday. The return to standard time means earlier sunsets and longer nights until daylight saving time resumes on March 10 next year. With the end of DST, people across the country are reminded to adjust their schedules accordingly.