Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday: Clocks Fall Back as Debate Over Permanent Time Persists
This Sunday, most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour as daylight saving time (DST) officially ends at 2:00 a.m. local time on the first Sunday in November. The annual ritual marks the return to standard time, granting an extra hour of sleep but signaling earlier sunsets and darker evenings. DST, which runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, affects the majority of the United States, though some regions—including Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several territories—do not observe the practice. The change is a familiar biannual event, but it continues to spark debate over its necessity and impact on health and daily life.
Earlier this year, legislation to make daylight saving time permanent cleared a major hurdle in Congress. The Sunshine Protection Act, sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, passed the Senate unanimously in 2022, and a companion bill in the House, introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida, passed with a 308 to 117 majority. Despite this momentum, the bill has stalled, prompting frustration from supporters. Former President Donald Trump recently weighed in, saying, “The United States Senate is letting the Daylight Saving Bill die, when a vast Majority of the Country want it.” While many Americans agree on eliminating the twice-yearly time changes, a schism remains between those who favor permanent daylight saving time and those who advocate for permanent standard time.
From a sleep-health perspective, experts argue that permanent standard time is preferable. “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends permanent standard time because it better aligns with our natural circadian rhythms and provides more morning light, which is important for regulating sleep and wakefulness,” said Dr. Jennifer Martin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This recommendation comes as the majority of Americans struggle to get the National Sleep Foundation’s recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep for most adults. The biannual clock changes can disrupt sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue and other health issues. As the debate continues, the upcoming time change serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between convenience, health, and personal preference.
For those planning ahead, daylight saving time will resume on the second Sunday
Shimanta Das 
