Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday
Most of America will set clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, marking the end of daylight saving time and the return to standard time.
Background on Daylight Saving Time
The practice of daylight saving time, which began on March 9 this year, involves shifting clocks forward by one hour. It was first introduced in 1918 as a measure to conserve fuel during World War I. Since then, public support for this system has declined.
According to a recent AP-NORC poll, a majority of adults favor the current system, though 47% oppose it. All states observe daylight saving time except Arizona and Hawaii, which do not change their clocks.
Expert Tips 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 each night starting a few days before Sunday.
- Change clocks on Saturday evening to get accustomed to the new time.
- Align meals and caffeine intake with the adjusted bedtime.
- Avoid consuming extra caffeine as it can disrupt sleep.
Lee, who is a parent of two young boys, suggests parents use the same gradual approach for their children, adjusting clocks early and shifting bedtimes back over several nights.
“They should also change their clock on Saturday evening, so that way you are acclimated to it.”
Author’s summary: Gradually adjusting bedtime and changing clocks early can help ease the transition as daylight saving time ends and standard time begins Sunday.