Why America Still Changes Its Clocks for Daylight Saving Time
Americans, except those in Hawaii and Arizona, will set their clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2. This marks the end of daylight saving time, a tradition known as "falling back," usually done before bed on Saturday night.
Shortening Daylight Hours
Since the Summer Solstice, the amount of daylight has been steadily decreasing as the northern hemisphere heads into its darkest season. For example, in San Diego, the sun will set as early as 4:56 p.m. on November 2, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Early sunsets will continue, with the sun setting at 4:43 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and reaching the earliest sunset of 4:47 p.m. on the Winter Solstice, December 21—the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Daylight Patterns and Seasonal Effects
- Sunrise on November 2 is at 6:07 a.m.
- The Winter Solstice marks the day with the least daylight
- Decreasing daylight can affect sleep and mood
- Thanksgiving's early sunset and heavy meals may encourage restful sleep
“At that point, time will automatically move backward to 1 a.m. This tradition is known as the time change in which we 'fall back' and generally set our clocks before bed on Saturday.”
To end the time change tradition in California, legislative or federal action would be required, but the practice remains due to various factors including energy use and coordination with other states.
Summary
Daylight saving time ends as daylight shrinks in the northern hemisphere, with Americans turning clocks back to gain more morning sunlight amid winter's shortest days and longest nights.