As autumn reaches its peak, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is about to end in the United States. This year, the change will occur at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when clocks will be set back one hour. This means evenings will darken earlier and the experience of daylight will change. With this change, people will be able to benefit from an extra hour of sleep. For example, if you go to bed at 10 p.m., it will actually be equivalent to going to bed at 9 p.m., because clocks will go back one hour.
This time change affects children, adults, and the elderly. Some find it a relaxing opportunity, while others experience it as a disruption to their body clock and daily routine. In particular, those who follow regular sleep patterns may experience temporary sleep difficulties due to this change.
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History and Origin of Daylight Saving Time
DST was introduced in the United States in 1918 under the Standard Time Act (Calder Act). Its primary purpose was to maximize daylight use and save energy. During World War I, this measure was particularly important to reduce energy consumption in industries and homes.
Over time, DST legislation underwent several changes. In 1966, the Uniform Time Act was passed, establishing a uniform start and end date for DST across the United States. Under this act, states implementing DST were required to follow federal regulations. However, the law gave states the freedom to decide for themselves whether to adopt or abandon DST.
In January 2025, the Sunshine Protection Act was reintroduced, aiming to make DST permanent in the United States. This bill has been introduced in both the House and Senate but has not yet been put to a vote. If this law is implemented, there will be no need to change clocks twice a year in the future.
Which states do not adopt DST?
In the US, Hawaii and most of Arizona are states that do not observe DST. It is worth noting that the Navajo Nation, which extends across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, observes DST. Additionally, five US territories do not adopt DST: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Time remains constant in states and territories that do not adopt DST. This means that residents do not have to worry about the twice-yearly time change. However, when these people travel to other states or interstate, they must make time adjustments.
Effects on Sleep and Physical Health During DST
When clocks are turned back, both adults and children get an extra hour of sleep. However, this change is not comfortable for everyone. Young children and infants need to gradually adapt to this time change. According to parenting expert Ericka Souter, bedtime, mealtimes, naps, and wake-up times should be advanced by 10-15 minutes to help children adjust to the new time.
Also, it’s important to keep curtains closed or dim lights to prevent children from waking up prematurely due to the early sunrise. Experts say it usually takes a few days to a week for children to adjust to this change. Irritability, changes in appetite, and increased attachment are normal during this time and nothing to worry about.
DST also affects adults. Some may experience sleep disruptions, fatigue, or decreased alertness. Therefore, experts recommend gradually adjusting to the new time by making small changes to sleep times, meals, and daily routines.
The Modern Significance of DST and Its Impact on Energy Savings
Initially, the primary purpose of DST was to conserve energy. But in today’s age, with LED lighting and a 24/7 work culture, this argument is no longer entirely relevant. Nevertheless, DST impacts our daily routines, business activities, school schedules, and social life.
Observing DST allows people to maximize evening light, which benefits some businesses and recreational activities. Furthermore, this time change also impacts the experience of seasons, holidays, and celebrations.
Legal and Political Initiatives Related to the Time Change
DST has long been debated. Congress and state governments have repeatedly attempted to make it permanent or eliminate it. The Sunshine Protection Act, reintroduced in 2025, is an effort in this direction. If enacted, the US would only have a one-time change a year, increasing stability for people and businesses.
The Social and Economic Importance of DST
DST isn’t limited to sleep and daily routines. It also impacts businesses, schools, and transportation. For example, early evening darkness can impact the retail and entertainment industries. Furthermore, the time change also impacts road safety, electricity consumption, and social activities.
Conclusion
Remember to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on November 2nd, when Daylight Saving Time ends in 2025. This is an opportunity to take advantage of the extra sleep and adjust your daily life to the new time. With a little preparation and patience, this transition can be seamless for both children and adults.
The history, purpose, and modern significance of DST make it clear that it’s not just a time change but an important part of our lifestyle, social activities, and economic aspects. If DST becomes permanent in the future, it will provide us with time stability and ease of living.
FAQs
Q. When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2025?
A. It ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m., when clocks “fall back” one hour.
Q. Do we gain or lose sleep when clocks fall back?
A. You gain one extra hour of sleep when the clocks are set back.
Q. Which states do not observe Daylight Saving Time?
A. Hawaii and most of Arizona (except Navajo Nation) do not observe DST.
Q. Why was Daylight Saving Time introduced?
A. It was introduced to maximize daylight hours and save energy, initially during World War I.
Q. How can children adjust to the time change?
A. Shift their sleep, meals, and wake times gradually by 10-15 minutes daily before the change, and control morning light exposure.
