Don't Forget: Clocks Go Back This Sunday!
As we approach the end of October, it's time to mark your calendars for the annual fall ritual: Daylight Saving Time (DST) comes to an end this Sunday! On the morning of October 29, 2023, clocks will "fall back" one hour at 2:00 a.m., giving us all a bonus hour of sleep (or productivity, depending on how you spend it!).
While the extra hour in bed might be a welcome change, the shift can also disrupt our routines. Here’s everything you need to know about this time change and how to adjust to it smoothly.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced during World War I as a way to save energy by making better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. By shifting the clock forward in the spring and back in the fall, we theoretically get more daylight during our waking hours.
The concept seems straightforward, but as the world has evolved, the benefits of DST are being questioned. Critics argue that its impact on energy savings is minimal, while the disruption to our sleep and schedules can have negative effects on health and productivity.
How the Time Change Affects You
Even though we gain an hour when clocks fall back, the shift can affect your body in unexpected ways. It can throw off your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This may lead to short-term issues like:
- Difficulty falling asleep or waking up
- Fatigue during the day
- Feeling out of sync with the natural light
For many, it can take a few days to a week to fully adjust to the new schedule.
Tips for Adjusting to the Time Change
Here are a few tips to help you ease into the time change:
-
Start adjusting early: If possible, go to bed 15 minutes later each night in the days leading up to Sunday to prepare your body for the shift.
-
Maintain your routine: Stick to your regular schedule for meals, exercise, and sleep. Routine helps stabilize your internal clock.
-
Get outside: Exposure to natural light in the morning can help reset your circadian rhythm faster.
-
Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.
The Future of Daylight Saving Time
The biannual clock change has become a topic of debate, and there’s growing support for abolishing it. Some U.S. states and European countries have proposed or passed legislation to eliminate the time shift and stick to permanent Standard Time or permanent Daylight Time. If this movement gains more traction, this could be one of the last times we’ll need to change our clocks!
For now, though, it's important to remember that this Sunday, October 29, clocks go back one hour. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep or use it to get a head start on your day—and let's keep an eye on what the future holds for Daylight Saving Time.
If only I could go back to 1955 with a copy of Grays Sports Almanac, I would behave, honest.