As the months of October and November arrive, an old custom enters back into the lives of many people in the United States—turning back the clocks, signaling the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). This year (for 2025), this change will happen on Sunday, November 2nd, at 2:00 AM. During this time frame, people in every state across the US will turn their clocks back one hour. The most noticeable impact of this will be an additional hour of sleep; however, this will also mean earlier sunsets and longer nights in some locales.
The beginning and ending of DST happen once a year during the first week of March and the first week of November. In March we “spring forward,” and in November we “fall back.” In 2025, DST began on March 9th. In March 2026, this change will occur on March 8th.
Table of Contents
What is Daylight Saving Time and the background of it?
The purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to maximize the utilization of longer daylight hours during the summer months. It was formally established in 1966 under the Uniform Time Act. Based on this system, the clocks are turned ahead one hour in March to have one more hour of daylight in the evening and then turned back in November to maximize the use of natural light in the morning.
Originally, the objective was to reduce energy and enhance production efficiency. In earlier periods, it was possible to lower candle and electricity use. Presently, it has diminished its importance with the digital age and a 24/7 work culture.
Additional Sleep and Health Implications
Most individuals receive an additional hour of sleep at the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST), which is appreciated for individuals who lead hectic lives. It is primarily a welcome reprieve, particularly for individuals who abide by strenuous methods.
However, professionals indicate that the time shifts can affect our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). In these initial days, complications such as tiredness, lack of focus, irritability, and mood swings can result. In many circumstances, a report from the American Sleep Research Institute states that the days directly following the time change increase the risk of traffic accidents, cardiovascular disease, and mistakes on the job site.
Additionally, it disrupts sleep quality as well. Some people may have sleep deprivation issues from the combination of time changes, along with mental stress and mood disorders. Experts are now recommending the discontinuation of time shifting each year, for good, and implementing a permanent time system.
Daylight Saving Time and the Political Arena
The subject of DST transcends just science and health; it is becoming an issue of political orientation and social norms. For example, former president Donald Trump stated in April 2025 that the time should only change to year-round DST because changing the clocks is inconvenient and may cost money. However, he stated, in December 2024, that DST should be abolished completely and Standard Time should be permanent.
This shows that changing the clocks is not just about the act itself but the different social and political values. There are some individuals who want more sun in the long summer evenings to better maximize leisure and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, there are individuals who want morning light so that children and office employees do not go out in the dark.
Continued Discussion on DST and the US Congress
Previous deliberations on the use of DST have occurred in the US Congress for many years. The Sunshine Protection Act passed in 2022 and was intended for year-round DST. However, the legislation did not progress past the House and did not become law. In 2025 the Sunshine Protection Act was reintroduced, but no progress has occurred as of yet.
Nonetheless, numerous states are pursuing movement at their own level. In March 2025, Pennsylvania passed a resolution asking Congress to eliminate this “outdated tradition.” Over the past few years, over 29 states have introduced comparable resolutions, but any change made by any state must be sanctioned at the federal level. Some US territories and states do not observe DST, including Hawaii, much of Arizona, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These areas take on uniformity in individuals’ daily lives by using a permanent time zone.
The Projected Consequences and Planning for the Conclusion of DST
On November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM, clocks will fall back an hour to 1:00 AM. Consequently, there will be more light in the morning than there has been, but evenings will get darker sooner. The weather will gradually change to winter. The sun will set sooner, temperatures will decline, and days will feel shorter.
With this change, people may have to slightly modify their routines, work schedules, and personal activities. This change also may inconvenience commuters, working individuals, and parents of young children. Experts suggest that in the first few days following the time change, it would be good to be flexible in your schedule to ensure you are well rested and well slept.
Is DST Necessary Yet?
Daylight Saving Time was created so that we can conserve energy and take advantage of daylight hours. However, its relevance is greatly diminished within today’s lifestyles and behaviors. Research suggests that DST now saves less than 1% of energy. In addition, it has downstream negative consequences for sleep, mental health, ability to work efficiently, and road safety.
The Future of DST
The debate surrounding DST is alive and well, but there is still no plan for action. Political divisiveness, social values, and a legislative process that moves slowly hinder progression in the debate. Until they pass new legislation not to change the clocks, Americans will continue to change their clocks twice a year—forward in March or back in November.
Conclusion: An Extra Hour of Sleep and a New Debate
Daylight Saving Time will end in 2025. With this change you will, of course, get an additional hour of sleep, but it will also bring up the debate—do we need to change the clocks twice a year, or do we have a permanent clock? Changing the clocks has been around for a long time in our culture, but it’s time to discuss it and the positives and negatives.
This is at the point in the year where we transition into the end of the year with the colder days of winter approaching and altered daily living patterns in regard to the natural light and climate.
FAQs
Q. When does Daylight Saving Time end in 2025?
A. DST ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 a.m. local time.
Q. What does “fall back” mean?
A. “Fall back” means setting clocks one hour earlier, giving you an extra hour of sleep.
Q. Why do we observe Daylight Saving Time?
A. DST was introduced to make better use of daylight and save energy by adjusting clocks in spring and fall.
Q. Does DST affect health?
A. Yes, it can disrupt sleep patterns, mood, concentration, and may increase risk of accidents in the first few days.
Q. Will DST be abolished in the U.S.?
A. There is ongoing debate, but no final law has been passed, so Americans still change clocks twice a year.
