Daylight saving time ends Sunday. Here’s what to know and how to ease the change

Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday

Most of America will set clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. as daylight saving time ends and standard time returns. This shift marks the end of a period that began on March 9, 2025.

History and Public Opinion

Daylight saving time was first implemented in 1918 to conserve fuel during World War I. Over time, public support has declined. A recent AP-NORC poll shows that 47% of adults oppose the practice, while the remaining favor it. All states observe daylight saving time except Arizona and Hawaii, which do not change their clocks.

How to Adjust Smoothly

Kenneth Lee, a neurologist specializing in sleep medicine and medical director of the University of Chicago Medicine’s Sleep Center, advises a gradual adjustment to minimize disruption:

Begin shifting bedtime earlier by 15 to 20 minutes a few nights before the time change.
Change clocks on Saturday evening to help the body get used to the new time.
Align meal times and coffee intake with the adjusted schedule, but avoid extra caffeine as it may disrupt sleep.

Advice for Families

For parents, Lee suggests the same gradual bedtime shift for young children, along with changing clocks early to ease the transition.

"People should begin pushing back their bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes a few nights before Sunday. They should also change their clock on Saturday evening, so that way you are acclimated to it." – Kenneth Lee

Summary: Gradually adjusting bedtime and changing clocks early can help ease the transition as daylight saving time ends, reducing sleep disruption for adults and children alike.

Northern Public Radio — 2025-11-01