Daylight Saving Time Ends Across the U.S. as Clocks Turn Back

Most Americans will turn their clocks back one hour this weekend as daylight saving time officially ends, bringing an extra hour of sleep overnight but earlier sunsets across the country. The time change takes place at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, marking the return to standard time, which will remain in effect until March 14.

While smartphones and connected devices generally adjust automatically, residents will need to manually change clocks on various appliances, vehicles, and traditional watches. Hawaii and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time, meaning those regions will not alter their schedules.

The twice-yearly ritual continues to draw widespread public frustration. An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted last year revealed that only 12 percent of American adults favor the time changes, with nearly half expressing opposition. Lawmakers in Washington have debated the schedule repeatedly, and the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Sunshine Protection Act in July to establish permanent daylight saving time. However, the legislation has stalled in the Senate without a scheduled floor vote, leaving the current biannual shift in place.

Health and medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have consistently advocated for year-round standard time instead. Experts note that standard time aligns more closely with human circadian rhythms and solar patterns. Brighter mornings and reduced evening light help regulate internal master clocks, which dictate sleep-wake cycles, hormone levels, metabolism, blood pressure, and cognitive function.

The transition also impacts public safety and wildlife. Researchers and advocacy organizations point out that the abrupt shift in afternoon commuting patterns often coincides with an increase in traffic accidents. Wildlife organizations note that standard time changes afternoon commutes into darkness during the peak breeding season for animals such as deer and elk, leading to a temporary surge in vehicle-wildlife collisions.

To ease the transition, sleep specialists recommend gradually adjusting bedtimes by small increments in the days leading up to the change. Seeking natural sunlight during morning hours can also help reset the body's internal clock more efficiently and minimize disruptions to nightly rest.