Daylight Saving Time Explained: When to Turn Clocks Back and Why It Matters

Daylight Saving Time Explained: Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of moving clocks forward in spring and back in fall to make better use of daylight. The goal is to shift an hour of sunlight from the morning to the evening during longer summer days. Introduced in the Standard Time Act of 1918, DST was designed to conserve energy and maximize daylight hours.

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When Does It End and Resume?

DST ends on November 2, when clocks “fall back” an hour at 2 am, becoming 1 am again. Unlike spring, when an hour is lost, this transition gives everyone an extra hour of sleep. The next cycle will begin on March 8, 2026, when clocks move forward once more.

How Long Does Standard Time Last?

Standard Time lasts through autumn and winter, bringing earlier sunsets and longer nights. It remains in effect until DST resumes the following March, helping align daylight with morning hours during the colder months.

How To Adjust to the Time Change

Experts from Harvard suggest maintaining a consistent sleep routine to adapt smoothly. Get morning sunlight to reset your body clock, avoid caffeine or alcohol late in the day, and dim lights or screens before bed. Consistency in meals, exercise, and rest can also help ease the transition.

Why Do We Change Clocks?

DST was first introduced during World War I to save energy and was later standardized under the Uniform Time Act of 1966. The modern schedule—beginning the second Sunday in March and ending the first Sunday in November—has been followed since 2007. However, participation is optional for individual states.

Who Follows and Who Doesn’t

Around one-third of countries still observe DST, mainly in North America and Europe. Nations in the Southern Hemisphere use it on reversed schedules. In the U.S., Hawaii and most of Arizona, along with territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, do not observe DST and remain on Standard Time year-round.

Could DST Be Made Permanent?

Efforts to make DST permanent continue. The “Sunshine Protection Act”, passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022, aimed to end clock changes altogether. However, it stalled in the House. Several U.S. states have shown support for the idea — but it still awaits federal approval to take effect nationwide.

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