Daylight Saving Time: Daylight Saving Time (DST) is almost over for the year, and many people are getting ready to “fall back” by setting their clocks back one hour. This change will happen on Sunday, November 3rd, giving everyone an extra hour of sleep. But not everyone in the U.S. will be participating in this yearly ritual.
Who Doesn’t Observe Daylight Saving Time?
While most of the United States will change their clocks, two states won’t: Arizona and Hawaii. In Arizona, most of the state does not observe DST, though some Native American tribes on their reservations do. Hawaii also stays on standard time all year, never changing their clocks.
In addition to these states, U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe DST. They all stick to standard time throughout the year.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End in 2024?
For those who do observe DST, the big question is, when does it end? As per the rules set by the federal government, DST ends on the first Sunday of November each year. In 2024, this will be on Sunday, November 3rd.
After this date, sunsets will start happening earlier. By the time DST ends, the sun will be setting as early as 4:41 p.m. in some places. This change marks the beginning of shorter, darker days as we move closer to winter.
What’s the Difference Between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time?
It’s important to understand the difference between DST and standard time. DST is the period in which clocks are set forward by one hour to make better use of daylight during the longer days of spring and summer. Standard time, on the other hand, is the regular time that countries use when DST is not in effect.
Most of the world actually stays on standard time all year round. According to the website Time and Date, more than 60% of countries never change their clocks. The remaining countries, including the U.S., use DST during the summer months, shifting their clocks forward by one hour.
Why Do Some Experts Prefer Standard Time?
While some people enjoy the extra daylight in the evening that DST provides, many sleep experts argue that staying on standard time is better for our health. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), our bodies naturally align with the rising and setting of the sun. This natural rhythm, called the circadian rhythm, helps regulate sleep, mood, and overall health.
When we switch to DST, our internal clocks get out of sync with the natural light-dark cycle. This disruption can lead to sleep loss, poor sleep quality, and even health issues like heart problems and mental health struggles.
Dr. M. Adeel Rishi, chair of the AASM Public Safety Committee, has pointed out that DST can increase risks to physical health, mental well-being, and public safety. He and other experts believe that permanent standard time is the best option for promoting good health and safety.
Will Daylight Saving Time Become Permanent?
There has been talk of making DST permanent, but so far, no law has passed to make this happen across the U.S. Some states have introduced legislation to stay on DST year-round, but these efforts have not yet succeeded.
In recent years, a growing number of sleep experts and organizations, like the National Sleep Foundation, have advocated for eliminating the twice-a-year time change. They argue that these changes are disruptive to sleep and should be done away with.
Conclusion
As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end on November 3rd, most of the U.S. will set their clocks back one hour. However, residents of Arizona, Hawaii, and several U.S. territories won’t need to do a thing. While DST offers the benefit of more daylight in the evening during the summer, many experts believe that sticking to standard time all year is better for our health.
For now, though, the annual ritual of “falling back” continues for most of us. So, mark your calendars and enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
