By Mandilee Hecht
mhecht@cherryroad.com

Daylight Savings Time: Nov. 3

It’s that time of year again when the clocks do their seasonal backflip. Daylight Savings Time (DST) is here, and, as usual, people everywhere are bracing for the bi-annual ritual of turning clocks backward.

This year, “falling back” happens on the first Sunday of November, which means you’ll gain an hour of sleep—or spend an extra hour scrolling through your phone in bed, depending on your preferences.

In most of the United States and Canada, DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. This year, we turned the clocks forward one hour March 10. Daylight Savings ends Sunday, Nov. 3, with clocks going back one hour at 2 a.m.

Daylight Savings was initially introduced to save energy by extending daylight hours. In fact, it was first adopted during World War I as a way to conserve fuel. But somehow, even with all the advancements in technology, we still find ourselves turning the clocks back. Let’s be honest though—most of us are just here for the extra hour of sleep.

As you prepare to adjust your clocks, you may notice a few things. First, your “smart” gadgets (phones, computers, etc.) will handle the switch automatically. So, if you wake up and your alarm seems off, you’re probably fine. However, analog clocks, microwaves, and oven timers won’t adjust themselves, so prepare to play hide-and-seek with every clock in your home. (Don’t forget the car clock. It’ll stay wrong for a good few months until you finally give in.)

While “falling back” sounds easy, it’s not all sunshine and… less sunshine. For some, the earlier sunset can lead to feeling a little down as days get shorter. On the bright side, earlier darkness does mean more excuse to cozy up, light candles, and maybe drink hot cocoa by the gallon.

So, when Sunday morning comes around, take a deep breath, adjust your clocks (the ones that need it, anyway), and embrace the new rhythm. And, when you’re stumbling through the dark at 5 p.m., remind yourself: we’ll be springing forward before you know it. But for now, enjoy that extra hour of sleep.