Daylight saving time will come to an end at 2 a.m. on November 3, bringing with it an extra hour of sleep for many as we “fall back.” This adjustment will remain in effect for roughly four months until clocks are set forward again on March 9, 2025.
Efforts have been made in the U.S. Congress to establish permanent daylight saving time, but proposed bills have repeatedly stalled in their respective committees.
The clock change presents both advantages and disadvantages. A key benefit of reverting the clocks is gaining additional sleep, which experts suggest can lead to improved mood, decreased stress levels, and a lower likelihood of heart disease. Dr. Leah Croll, a neurologist at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, emphasized the importance of sleep for cardiovascular and neurological health. She noted that sleep deprivation can lead to headaches, cognitive difficulties, and poor decision-making.
Conversely, the transition can exacerbate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) due to reduced exposure to natural light. Although symptoms of SAD resemble those of depression, they typically fluctuate with the seasons. To counteract SAD, experts suggest using light therapy and ensuring adequate vitamin D levels.
Dr. Christina Zhang, medical director at MiDoctor Health, highlighted that exposure to bright light, specifically from a daytime lamp boasting around 10,000 lumens, can be beneficial. She recommends using such light for approximately 30 minutes each morning.
Finally, the correct term for this biannual practice is “daylight saving time,” not “daylight savings time,” which has become a common misconception.