Daylight saving time is coming to an end once again, with millions of Americans preparing to turn their clocks back one hour this weekend. On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2:00 AM, the ritual returns as we transition back to standard time. While many welcome the opportunity to gain an extra hour of sleep, others are not so enthusiastic about the darker evenings ahead.
Daylight saving time (DST) has been part of American life since it was first implemented during World War I. Originally introduced to conserve fuel, the practice has been debated for over a century. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the official establishment came with the Standard Time Act of 1918, but it was short-lived. It reemerged during World War II and was later standardized by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. This act continues to govern the start and end of DST across the country, which now begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
This year's adjustment means when clocks fall back, we will gain one hour of sleep. For example, if you go to bed at 10 PM, it will feel like you fell asleep at 9 PM after the shift. Conversely, as spring approaches, the clocks will spring forward again, costing sleep-worn individuals one precious hour.
The upcoming time change will affect how we experience daylight during the winter months, as sunrise and sunset will occur about one hour earlier. This shift will create darker evenings, leading to debates about the desirability of DST. Various health organizations claim the time change can disrupt sleep patterns, potentially causing negative effects on health.
Many parents may grapple with how to help their children adjust to the changes. Parenting expert Ericka Souter advises sticking to regular sleep schedules and promoting physical activities throughout the day to combat any mood swings caused by sleep disruption. “When our kids lose even an hour of sleep, it can lead to more tantrums or more tears,” Souter said, emphasizing the importance of preparation leading up to the change.
Interestingly, some states do not observe the time change at all. Hawaii and most of Arizona have opted out of the annual clock shift. These exceptions are notable, as all territories like Puerto Rico and Guam have also chosen to remain on standard time year-round. Such decisions often spark curiosity and discussions about the benefits and drawbacks of adjusting our clocks.
Despite the historical precedence of DST, recent sentiment has shifted toward making it permanent. Over the past few years, various states have introduced legislation for year-round daylight saving time. Since 2018, twenty states have passed resolutions advocating for making DST permanent if Congress permits such changes. Oklahoma, for example, recently became the 20th state to push for permanent daylight savings time.
At the federal level, the Sunshine Protection Act was proposed to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes altogether. Although the act passed the Senate unanimously last year, it stalled and has yet to gain traction within the House of Representatives. Numerous studies have emerged advocating for year-round standard time or daylight saving time, citing evidence linking clock changes to health risks, including increased heart attack and stroke rates.
Experts argue there needs to be alignment between human activity and natural daylight patterns, which many studies have shown to benefit overall well-being.
When clocks turn back, this year’s adjustments become apparent—leaving many to wonder how they will cope when it gets darker earlier. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has called for making standard time permanent to promote healthier sleep patterns and overall public health. Other notable supporters include the National Sleep Foundation and Save Standard Time, which collectively argue the twice-annual clock shift disrupts natural circadian rhythms.
The final few months of the year often feel rushed and packed to the brim with holiday commitments and activities. The earlier onset of night may impact social functions, sporting events, and travel plans. Some communities may embrace the shorter day with festive seasonal events, but many might find the sudden darkness strange and even unsettling.
A principal argument against daylight saving time touches on energy conservation. While the original rationale involved saving electricity by extending evening daylight hours, studies have shown mixed results. A 2008 study from the Department of Energy concluded the extension equated to only about 0.5% energy savings per day, primarily through reduced lighting costs.
So as the clock strikes 2 AM this Sunday, millions will find themselves reminded of their preferences more than the time itself. Will you relish your extra hour of beauty sleep or dread the impending darkness each evening wreaking havoc on your typical routine? Only time will tell as the debate continues across the nation, and we navigate life post-time change once again.
