With fall in full swing and the holidays approaching, another familiar change is on the way — the end of Daylight Saving Time. On Sunday, Nov. 2, clocks turn back an hour at 2 a.m., giving residents some extra sleep while pushing back the arrival of sunlight.
This is called “falling back”, a return to standard time that lasts until the second Sunday in March 2026. In recognition of the seasonal shift, here are five things to know about Daylight Saving Time.
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time
Before 1883, there wasn’t a single standard time in North America. Different towns and cities each kept their own clocks, which meant there were over 140 local times across the continent. This worked fine when travel was slow, but as railroads expanded, the inconsistent times caused confusion and even led to train accidents, according to bts.gov.
To solve the problem, major rail companies created four standard time zones in 1883. Later, in 1918, toward the end of World War I, Congress officially recognized five time zones, Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, and Alaska, and keeping accurate time became even more critical during World War II to coordinate transportation and industry, according to bts.gov.
In 1966, Congress took further action by creating the Department of Transportation and passing the Uniform Time Act, which standardized time zones across the country. This law also made Daylight Saving Time a nationwide practice.
Minimal Energy Savings
Historically, Daylight Saving Time was based on the simple idea that getting up earlier could reduce the need for candles and help people save money. The practice of moving clocks forward to make better use of daylight during the warmer months was officially adopted during World War I as part of a national effort to conserve energy.
While saving energy was the original reason for Daylight Saving Time, studies now suggest it might not be very effective. A 2017 study found that modern lighting uses much less energy than in the past, and having longer daylight hours can actually lead to higher electricity use for heating and air conditioning, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
There’s been debate about keeping it
In 2020, some Maryland lawmakers aimed to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in the state. House Bill 1610 and a companion Senate bill would have kept Maryland on Eastern Daylight Time year-round, requiring changes to federal law.
Supporters, including Del. Brian Crosby and Sen. Clarence Lam, said the time change was outdated, disrupted sleep, and could negatively affect health and safety, citing increased risks of heart attacks, accidents, and stress-related issues. They also pointed to studies showing minimal energy savings from Daylight Saving Time.
The effects of daylight saving
Experts say changing the clocks can affect health and safety. Studies link the shift to increases in heart attacks, strokes, mood disorders, and stress-related inflammation. Road safety can also suffer, with a 2020 study showing a 6% rise in fatal car crashes after the spring time change, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Sleep loss from the shift can also raise risks of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cognitive problems. Certain groups are especially affected, including people living on the western edges of time zones, shift workers, and teenagers. Studies show that teens, in particular, tend to be sleepier and less focused after the clocks change, according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Would an end be better?
According to the National Institutes of Health, ending the practice might actually be better for our health.
The group’s argument is that switching to permanent Standard Time would help our daily routines match the natural light outside, making it easier to wake up and feel alert. It would give our bodies a chance to get consistent sleep, which supports both mental and physical health. Getting rid of the twice-a-year clock changes would reduce the stress and health risks caused by DST. By living on Standard Time year-round, we could feel more rested, focused, and in tune with the natural rhythm of the day.
Have a news tip? Contact reporter Journey Burris at jburris@baltsun.com
