Daylight Saving Time Is Ending Soon: How It Affects Your Health and Tips for Preparation |

Summer time (DST) officially ends in North America on November 3, 2024, when clocks go back one hour. In most parts of Europe Summer time ended on October 27, 2024. Daylight saving time began on March 9, 2025 in the United States and on March 30, 2025 in Europe, when clocks move forward one hour.
The tradition of changing the time goes back to the First World War. In 2022, the US Senate voted to make daylight saving time permanent, but the proposal failed in the House of Representatives. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio reintroduced the Sunshine Protection Act in March 2023, but it is still pending. Historically, daylight saving time began in summer and ended in late fall. Since 2007, daylight saving time in the United States begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. In Europe, daylight saving time begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October. Benjamin Franklin is credited with proposing the idea of ​​turning clocks back in the summer to save energy and allow people to take advantage of more evening daylight.

Harness standard time and overcome the challenges of darker evenings and seasonal affective disorder

From November until March 9, when daylight saving time returned, the world observed standard time. For many, this time was marked by darker evenings and the cozy embrace of early sunsets. While some found the “fallback” to be easier than the spring transition, an adjustment was still necessary.
Switching to standard time meant an extra hour of sleep on the night of the switch – a welcome gift for many. But as the weeks went by, the early nightfall became a challenge. Common problems included being left out of work, having difficulty motivating yourself to exercise, and experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD, a form of depression associated with shorter days and less sunlight, was common during this time, making the transition even more difficult for those affected.

What challenges arise from the return of daylight saving time and its impact on sleep and health?

Looking ahead to March, the return of daylight saving time would bring its own set of challenges. As the clocks “jumped forward,” the mornings would be darker and the evenings would be brighter. This abrupt shift disrupted sleep patterns and left many struggling to fall asleep at their usual time for weeks or even longer. Research had shown that the spring transition was linked to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, underscoring the profound impact of this semi-annual time change on health.
Several health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, recognized the health impacts of these transitions and advocated for the complete elimination of time changes. Their argument was based on the belief that observing standard time is more consistent with natural sunlight and human biology, thereby promoting overall health and well-being.

Tips to ease the transition to normal time for better sleep and well-being

Insights into adapting to standard time and promoting a healthy lifestyle

As the world prepared to turn back the clocks, it became clear that this biennial ritual was more than just an inconvenience. It was a test of adaptability and resilience, a reminder of the complicated dance between human biology and the passage of time. With a few proactive steps and a mindful approach, individuals could manage this transition smoothly and ensure their bodies remain in tune with the rhythm of the seasons.
By embracing these changes, we not only honor the cycle of nature, but also affirm our connection to it. And as the clocks ticked back, marking the end of daylight saving time, the world collectively took a deep breath, ready to embrace longer nights and the promise of new beginnings.

States that do not observe daylight saving time

Hawaii and most of Arizona do not participate in daylight saving time, nor do U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

The role of daylight saving time in energy saving and current public debate

Despite the intended benefits of daylight saving time (DST), its effectiveness in saving energy is increasingly being questioned. Originally designed to reduce energy consumption by extending daylight hours in the evening, recent studies suggest that while daylight saving time can result in lower lighting costs, increased use of heating and air conditioning during the extended hours can negate potential savings.
Furthermore, public opinion on daylight saving time remains divided. Many individuals and communities debate whether the practice should be maintained or eliminated entirely. This division reflects broader discussions about the relevance of daylight saving time in today's fast-paced society, where energy needs and lifestyle patterns have evolved significantly.
The ongoing debate over daylight saving time illuminates a crucial aspect of modern life: As society changes, our approaches to energy conservation and security must also change. While DST was originally introduced with the noble intention of saving energy and improving safety, its practicality is being critically reassessed in the current context.