INDIANA – As the year draws to a close, millions of Americans will prepare to “fall back” this Sunday, November 3, when daylight saving time officially ends at 2 a.m. local time. This change grants an extra hour of sleep as clocks are set back one hour, allowing for more daylight in the mornings throughout the winter months.
While many look forward to the additional hour of rest, the transition can lead to confusion and disruptions, particularly for children and pets. Unlike the springtime “spring forward” adjustment, which subtracts an hour of sleep, this autumnal change aims to enhance morning daylight.
The timing of this shift follows the autumnal equinox, which occurred on September 22, marking the official start of fall. It’s important to note that not all states and U.S. territories participate in daylight saving time. Hawaii and most of Arizona choose to remain on standard time year-round, while the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time. Five additional U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—also do not observe the time change.
The debate over whether to abolish the clock changes entirely has been ongoing. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022, a bill aimed at making daylight saving time permanent. However, the U.S. House of Representatives did not advance the legislation, and President Biden has yet to sign it. A subsequent version of the act introduced in 2023 has remained stalled in Congress.
As Americans prepare for the time change this weekend, it’s a good opportunity to review how to adjust schedules and minimize disruption. Whether it’s ensuring a smooth transition for kids or pets, this shift can be a gentle reminder of the changing seasons ahead. Daylight saving time will not return until March 2025, so it’s time to enjoy that extra hour.
