Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday
Most of America will set clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. as daylight saving time ends and standard time resumes. This shift marks the end of the period that started on March 9, when clocks were moved forward by an hour.
Background on Daylight Saving Time
The practice of daylight saving time began in 1918 as a way to conserve fuel during World War I. Since then, public support for it has declined. According to an AP-NORC poll, most adults favor keeping the current system, but 47% oppose it. Currently, all states observe daylight saving time except Arizona and Hawaii.
How to Ease the Transition
Kenneth Lee, a neurologist specializing in sleep medicine and medical director of the University of Chicago Medicine’s Sleep Center, advises gradually adjusting bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes earlier a few nights before the change. He also suggests changing clocks on Saturday evening to get used to the new time before Sunday morning.
- Adjust meals and coffee timing to match the earlier bedtime
- Avoid extra caffeine as it can disturb sleep patterns
- For parents with young children, use the same gradual approach by changing clocks early and adjusting bedtime several nights ahead
“Change your clock on Saturday evening, so that way you are acclimated to it.” – Kenneth Lee
Lee, who has two young boys, emphasizes that easing into the time change helps reduce disruption to sleep and daily routines.
Author’s summary
Gradual bedtime shifts and early clock changes can help minimize discomfort and maintain healthy sleep when daylight saving time ends Sunday.