The end of daylight saving time is approaching, with clocks set to “fall back” one hour on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This change signals a return to standard time, offering a rare opportunity to gain an extra hour of sleep after the springtime switch that causes us to lose one.
Daylight saving time commenced on March 10 of this year, which meant turning clocks forward by one hour. As the clock strikes 2 a.m. local time on November 3, it will instead revert to 1 a.m. Digital clocks, including smartphones, will automatically adjust, but you might still need to set your analog clocks manually. The result of this shift is that sunset will occur earlier, with New York City seeing the sun set at 4:49 p.m. instead of 5:50 p.m. the previous day.
The practice of daylight saving time has a historical backdrop dating back to the Standard Time Act of 1918. Initially, it was controversial, leading to its repeal the following year. It was reintroduced during World War II and became a federal law again with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. Since then, the U.S. has observed daylight saving time from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. Interestingly, while Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the idea, recent attributions point to George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, and British builder William Willett, who wanted to have more daylight for leisure activities.
Notably, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time, opting instead for standard time year-round. The practice varies globally, with many regions, particularly in Europe and North America, observing differing start and end dates.
There has been a movement toward making daylight saving time permanent. The Sunshine Protection Act, passed by the Senate in 2022, aimed to eliminate the need for biannual clock changes, receiving support from both sides of the aisle. Proponents argue that maintaining daylight saving time all year round could yield significant health and economic benefits.
In the hope of a future change, supporters of this initiative remain optimistic that it may be revisited and clarified in upcoming legislative sessions.
This transition not only brings about a chance to enjoy an extra hour of rest but also serves as an opportunity to rethink how time management can adapt to our modern lifestyles, potentially easing the strain associated with the biannual time shifts.