This Sunday at 2 a.m. ET, daylight saving time officially ends, meaning we’ll “fall back” by one hour. While most digital clocks and devices will adjust automatically, household appliances and microwaves may need a manual reset. The time shift marks the beginning of shorter, darker days for the next few months, with many people now heading to and from work in darkness.
Though originally introduced to save energy, studies show that the extra hour of morning light has minimal impact on energy conservation. Instead, the disruption often affects people’s sleep cycles and mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression linked to changes in light exposure, becomes more prevalent as daylight dwindles.
The practice of daylight saving has faced increasing criticism, with proponents of permanent daylight time arguing for a more stable system. However, changing the clocks remains an American tradition.