Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday: Key Details as Clocks ‘Fall Back’
The transition to standard time will occur this Sunday as the United States adheres to its annual tradition of ending daylight saving time. At 1 a.m., clocks will be set back one hour, reverting to 1 a.m. again, allowing individuals to gain an extra hour of sleep. This change signifies the end of daylight saving time, which started on March 9 this year.
End of Daylight Saving Time: Key Details
Daylight saving time concludes as the sun begins to set earlier, leading to darker evenings throughout the late fall and winter months. Standard time will be maintained until daylight saving time resumes on March 8 next year.
History of Daylight Saving Time
The observation of daylight saving time traces back to the Standard Time Act of 1918. Initially, the practice aimed to extend daylight hours during summer by delaying sunset. The concept was briefly repealed in 1919 but was later reinstated during World War II from 1942 to 1945. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established standardized dates for daylight saving time, although local exemptions were permitted.
- Standardized start date: Second Sunday in March
- Standardized end date: First Sunday in November
- Current dates have been in place since 2007
States and Territories Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
Some regions do not participate in the biannual clock change:
- Hawaii
- Most of Arizona
- U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands
Global Perspective on Daylight Saving Time
Unlike the United States, most countries have their variations of “summer time,” but not all align with the U.S. schedule. Countries in the Northern Hemisphere are more likely to observe daylight saving time. In the Southern Hemisphere, the timing is reversed due to seasonal differences. Currently, about one-third of countries worldwide observe daylight saving time.
Efforts to Change the Current System
Legislation has been proposed to make daylight saving time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act passed the Senate in 2022 but did not progress in the House. Various states have introduced bills to remain on one time year-round, with 19 states passing initiatives in recent years. However, without federal law changes, these states cannot achieve year-round daylight saving time.
Health Implications of Daylight Saving Time
Research indicates that maintaining daylight saving time year-round may reduce traffic accidents and crime. However, many health experts oppose this change, favoring the current system. They argue that the alignment of solar time with noon is essential for optimal health. Survey results reveal that waking up in darkness can increase cortisol levels and hinder melatonin production, disrupting sleep patterns.
