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Daylight Saving Time 2024 Is Almost Over: When the Clocks Fall Back

Daylight Saving Time 2024 Is Almost Over: When the Clocks Fall Back

As fall settles in and temperatures cool, it’s time to prepare for one of the year’s most consistent rituals: turning back our clocks as daylight saving time (DST) comes to an end. Known as the “fall back” tradition, this change marks the beginning of standard time, a move that will usher in earlier sunsets and darker afternoons. Set a reminder for November 3, when at 2 a.m. local time, most of the U.S. will shift back an hour.

The End of Daylight Saving Time: When to Set Your Clocks Back

In the United States, DST ends on the first Sunday of November each year. This year, the change occurs on November 3, 2024. Many find it convenient to adjust clocks before bed on Saturday night rather than waiting until Sunday morning. This shift in time applies to the vast majority of states, with Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii being notable exceptions that remain on standard time year-round.

Globally, the transition differs. For instance, the UK will set its clocks back on October 27, 2024, while some parts of Australia, having recently entered spring, already moved their clocks forward an hour on October 6.

Why Do We Change Our Clocks?

Daylight Saving Time 2024

The practice of DST in the U.S. has roots dating back to the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which aimed to streamline time changes across the country for better coordination, especially for transportation. DST itself, introduced during World War I, has historically fluctuated in popularity, and time changes varied by state until the act mandated standardized DST and established the twice-yearly time changes we observe today.

Today, most of the U.S. observes DST for about 238 days annually, meaning DST spans roughly 65% of the year. Interestingly, while DST dominates much of the calendar, its effects on daily routines and health have sparked debates on whether it should be permanent.

The Debate Over Time Changes

For years, Americans have debated whether to keep time changes or eliminate them altogether. While some argue DST provides valuable daylight during warmer months, others say it disrupts circadian rhythms and impacts health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has voiced its preference for permanent standard time to better align with natural human sleep cycles.

In 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that would make DST permanent, eliminating the need to “spring forward” or “fall back.” Despite widespread support, the bill remains stalled in Congress. Sen. Marco Rubio, one of the bill’s advocates, described the twice-yearly time change as “unnecessary,” though efforts to push the legislation forward have yet to gain traction in 2024.

How to Adjust to the Time Change

The “fall back” adjustment often feels easier than its spring counterpart, as it technically provides an extra hour of sleep. But this only benefits you if you manage to sleep in, so creating good sleep habits can help ease the transition. Here are a few tips:

  1. Shift Your Bedtime Gradually – In the days leading up to the time change, go to bed 10-15 minutes later each night to help your body adjust.
  2. Morning Sun Exposure – Start your day with exposure to natural light. This can help your body’s internal clock align with the new schedule.
  3. Exercise and Avoid Stimulants – Exercise can support sleep quality, but avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening, which can disrupt sleep.

For those who dread early darkness, there’s some comfort: the longest nights occur on December 21, the winter solstice, after which daylight gradually increases until DST returns on March 9, 2025.

Global Daylight Saving Observations

Daylight saving observance varies globally. In Europe, for example, clocks in the UK will move forward again on March 30, 2025, while Australia, which observes DST from October to April, will shift clocks back on April 6. For a complete list of countries observing DST, see the Bureau of Transportation Statistics or the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

As long as DST remains a tradition, the “fall back” and “spring forward” routines will be with us each year, though with ongoing debates, change may eventually be on the horizon. For now, mark your calendars for November 3, and remember to turn those clocks back.

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