Daylight Saving Time (DST) is ending soon, with clocks set to “fall back” one hour on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. While this shift offers an extra hour of sleep, it also marks the start of shorter days and less evening daylight. Here’s everything you need to know about daylight saving time and how it can affect your health.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time is a practice designed to make better use of daylight by moving the clocks forward one hour in spring and setting them back again in fall. Introduced during World War I to conserve energy, DST continues in the U.S., where it runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November—a total of 238 days in 2024.

However, not all U.S. states and territories observe DST. Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands remain on standard time year-round.

How the End of Daylight Saving Time Affects Your Health

While gaining an extra hour of sleep in the fall may seem beneficial, even small disruptions to your internal clock can have negative health effects:

• Sleep Disruption: Changes to your circadian rhythm can cause difficulties falling asleep or waking up, leading to a feeling of fatigue.
• Increased Depression Risk: The reduction in daylight hours is linked to higher rates of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that affects many during the winter months.
• Higher Accident Risk: With the earlier sunset, driving conditions worsen, leading to more accidents on the road, especially during the evening commute.

How to Prepare for the Time Change

To make the transition smoother and minimize its effects on your health, follow these expert tips:

• Gradually Adjust Your Sleep Schedule: Begin going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier in the days leading up to November 3 to ease the transition.
• Increase Sunlight Exposure: Get outside and expose yourself to natural light in the morning to help regulate your internal clock and reduce fatigue.
• Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Avoid electronics, caffeine, and heavy meals before bed. A consistent, calming routine can make it easier to adjust to the time change.

Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?

There has been increasing support for making daylight saving time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act, proposed in 2022, aims to eliminate seasonal time changes. While it passed in the Senate, it has yet to be voted on by the House of Representatives. States like California and Florida have shown interest in adopting permanent DST, but federal approval is required.

For now, be sure to set your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday, November 2, and enjoy the extra sleep! Stay informed on the latest updates regarding DST and potential changes to the system.