2024 Daylight Savings Time: When Are the Clocks Falling Back?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) in 2024 is nearing its end, bringing the annual moment when we turn our clocks back, and shorter days become the norm. For those tracking the exact timing, clocks will “fall back” on Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m. local time, marking the official switch to Standard Time. While it might be easy to overlook until the morning of, this seasonal clock change impacts many aspects of daily life, from sleep patterns to morning routines. For those wondering what 2024 daylight savings means in terms of changes and how best to handle the adjustment, here’s everything you need to know.

The concept of Daylight Saving Time, while familiar, continues to be the subject of debate, with its primary goal of providing extra daylight hours during spring and summer. Over time, the benefits of this adjustment, like energy savings and increased daylight for activities, have been questioned, prompting discussions in various states and at the federal level about potentially eliminating DST entirely. For now, though, most of us will still participate in this clock adjustment twice a year.

When Does 2024 Daylight Savings Time End?

If you’re planning to enjoy that “extra” hour of sleep, mark your calendars for Sunday, November 3, 2024. On this date, most of the U.S. will set clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. local time. For those who aren’t early risers, it may be easier to make the change just before heading to bed on Saturday night. This adjustment signifies the end of daylight savings for 2024, giving way to Standard Time, which will last until early March 2025.

While many devices automatically update with the time change, some clocks, like those on kitchen appliances or in cars, will require a manual reset.

How Daylight Saving Time Affects Different States

The 2024 daylight savings time change does not apply equally across the U.S. While the majority of states observe DST, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not. Parts of Arizona, like the Navajo Nation, continue to participate in DST, but overall, these regions remain on Standard Time throughout the year. Additionally, U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa also skip DST, staying on Standard Time year-round.

These regional differences are not only a quirk of local policy but have also added complexity to nationwide discussions around the potential abolition of DST. Hawaii and Arizona provide examples of what year-round Standard Time could look like, sparking curiosity about whether a nationwide adoption could benefit the entire country.

Why We Still Change Our Clocks

Daylight Saving Time has roots that date back over a century. Initially introduced in the U.S. during World War I as a “wartime” measure, DST aimed to conserve energy by providing extra daylight hours. The idea resurfaced during World War II, and eventually, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 solidified DST as we know it today. This Act established regular start and end dates for DST, though these have shifted over the years.

More recently, in 2005, DST was extended by four weeks, running from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. A Department of Energy study in the U.S. concluded that this extra month of DST saved around 0.5% of electricity daily, which amounted to about 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours annually. However, these energy-saving advantages have been under debate, especially as more research sheds light on the potential health impacts of DST, leading to renewed calls for reform.

Will the Daylight Savings Cycle Ever End

The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced in 2021, represents a growing effort to make DST the permanent standard across the country. This proposal was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate in 2022, though it remains pending approval in the House of Representatives. The intent behind the Act is to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes, enabling Americans to stay on DST year-round.

Although the Act gained widespread support in the Senate, it has faced delays in the House. Proponents of permanent DST argue that it would benefit both mental health and productivity, reducing the negative effects associated with clock changes. However, opponents feel that year-round Standard Time would be more beneficial, as it better aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.

How to Manage the End of Daylight Saving Time

For those who find the clock change challenging, the transition from DST to Standard Time often offers a slightly easier adjustment, as it technically allows for an “extra” hour of sleep. Still, disruptions to daily schedules can impact some people, particularly those with established routines or children who may not easily adjust.

One way to ease the transition is to gradually shift your bedtime in the days leading up to November 3. For instance, going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night helps make the transition less abrupt. Exposure to morning sunlight, whether by taking a short walk or simply stepping outside, can also help reset your internal clock to align with the new schedule.

For children and pets, both of whom may struggle with sudden changes, it can be helpful to make smaller, gradual adjustments to meal and bedtime routines. By slowly easing into the time shift, everyone in the household may find the transition a bit smoother.

When Will Daylight Savings Start in 2025?

Once clocks “fall back” on November 3, 2024, the next daylight savings change won’t occur until Sunday, March 9, 2025, when we’ll “spring forward” again. For those who appreciate longer daylight hours in the evening, that date marks the return to DST and signals the coming spring. But as the debate around DST continues, there’s a possibility that this twice-yearly ritual might eventually become a thing of the past.

Many states, including California, Florida, and Washington, have shown interest in ending DST changes altogether. Yet, without congressional approval, these states can only make the switch to permanent Standard Time, not DST. For now, we’re left waiting to see if the Sunshine Protection Act or similar legislation will eventually put an end to this biannual adjustment.

Does Daylight Saving Time Impact Health?

The biannual clock change affects everyone differently, but studies have highlighted the potential negative impacts of DST, especially during the “spring forward” shift. The loss of an hour’s sleep in spring has been linked to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, with studies indicating a rise in incidents in the days following the change.

Shifting clocks can disrupt circadian rhythms, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to a range of issues, from sleep disturbances to mental health challenges for those particularly sensitive to the shift. Experts in sleep medicine have expressed concern over the cumulative impact of these disruptions, recommending either year-round Standard Time or DST to avoid the twice-yearly shifts.

In contrast, the “fall back” transition can bring temporary benefits, like an extra hour of rest. However, it doesn’t fully negate the disruption caused by biannual clock changes, which is why health experts advocate for more stable timekeeping year-round.

Preparing for the 2024 Daylight Savings Change

With just days until clocks fall back on November 3, now’s a good time to prepare. Setting reminders for any clocks that don’t adjust automatically can be a simple way to avoid confusion. If you’re someone who feels the effects of DST, consider preparing a few days in advance by adjusting your schedule gradually. Whether it’s adjusting sleep times, meal routines, or even morning sunlight exposure, small steps can make a difference.