Light Hearted

It’s hard to believe, but daylight saving time in the United States is rapidly coming to an end. This Sunday, November 5th, at 2 AM local time, clocks in most of the US will “fall back” one hour, marking a return to standard time.

For those outside the US who aren’t familiar with this odd practice, twice a year Americans change their clocks either forward or back by one hour. This daylight saving time switcheroo was originally conceived over a century ago as an energy saving strategy to align waking hours with daylight. The biannual time tweaks now generate plenty of annoyance and debate over whether they’re still useful in the modern world. But the clock changes persist!

So this weekend, Americans will gain back the hour of sleep they lost last spring when daylight saving time started. There’s no consensus on whether we should be celebrating or dreading this annual rewind.

On one hand, we’ll welcome that extra bit of pillow time with open arms. No more stifled yawns at work or struggling to snooze past sunrise. Experts say adjusting to the “spring forward” each March wreaks havoc on our circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. Studies show associated upticks in traffic accidents, workplace injuries, and heart attacks in the weeks after the time change. So falling back is a relief for health.

But on the other hand, the first week of reverting to standard time also tends to bring its own disorder. Early sunsets can leave some feeling gloomy and disoriented. There’s debate over whether permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving would be ideal. And the time warp effect throws us off our game, with decreased productivity and focus.

The sun may set a bit earlier come Sunday evening, but think positive! We’re one hour closer to the holidays, with the gift of some extra shut-eye to prepare for the season. For parents, make sure to verify school times haven’t changed come Monday morning. And beware the tendency to be “fashionably late” everywhere you go as your body clock adjusts.

Whether you love it or hate it, daylight saving time ends this weekend. Set those clocks back an hour before bed on Saturday, and let the annual November time warp begin! Sweet dreams.