Daylight Saving Time Ends: How to Adjust Smoothly
Most Americans will turn their clocks back an hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday as daylight saving time ends and the country returns to standard time. The time change, which began this year on March 9, has been part of U.S. life since 1918, when it was introduced to conserve fuel during World War I. However, public support for the practice has declined, with about half of adults now favoring the current system and nearly the same number opposing it, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
Expert Recommendations for a Smooth Adjustment
Kenneth Lee, a neurologist and medical director of the University of Chicago Medicine Sleep Center, offers practical advice for easing into the time shift. He suggests gradually shifting bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes earlier on the nights leading up to Sunday.
"People should begin pushing back their bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes a few nights before Sunday," Lee said.
He also advises setting clocks on Saturday evening to help the body adjust more easily. Meal and coffee times should align with the adjusted sleep schedule, though Lee cautions against extra caffeine as it may interfere with falling asleep.
Tips for Parents and Families
For families, particularly those with young children, Lee recommends the same gradual adjustment. He shares that he follows this approach with his own two sons, encouraging parents to start the routine a few days early and move bedtime back slightly each night.
- Shift bedtime by small increments before the change.
- Reset clocks on Saturday night for easier adaptation.
- Adjust meal and coffee times to match the new schedule.
- Limit caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
- Help children adapt through gradual bedtime adjustments.
States Observing the Change
All U.S. states except Arizona and Hawaii observe daylight saving time and will participate in the upcoming shift to standard time.
Author’s summary: As the clocks fall back this Sunday, experts encourage small nightly adjustments and mindful routines to help the body adapt smoothly to standard time.