As we prepare to turn back our clocks and say goodbye to daylight saving time (DST) in 2024, it’s time to reset our routines and clocks.

This year’s end to DST means setting the clocks back by one hour, officially beginning the shorter days and longer nights of the winter season.

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Introduced initially to use daylight better during warmer months, DST shifted an hour of sunlight into the evening, giving us more light during typical waking hours.

Now, as we switch back to standard time, we gain a bonus hour of sleep—a small but welcome perk! Adjusting to the time change impacts us a little differently, but with shorter days ahead, we’ll ease into a cozier winter rhythm.

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We’ll see earlier sunsets with the time change, affecting everything from evening commutes to after-work activities.

Health-wise, this shift can disrupt sleep patterns and interrupt our circadian rhythms. Gaining an extra hour of sleep is nice, but the adjustment often impacts our schedules and routines, making it a transition period for many.

The darker evenings and cooler weather can feel like a sudden change, especially after a long, sun-soaked summer on the Jersey Shore.

This area has been home to me my whole life, and I've always enjoyed the changing seasons.

READ MORE: This is Why We Should NEVER Change the Clocks Again

Why Do We Still Change The Clocks?

I decided to ask the all-knowing Chat GBT this very question. Here's what...it...had to say:

  • Energy Conservation: The original rationale for DST was to save energy by using daylight better during the longer days of spring and summer. By shifting an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, people would theoretically use less artificial lighting and save energy. Although modern studies on energy savings are mixed, this reason remains a foundational argument for maintaining DST.
  • Economic Benefits: Extended evening daylight is thought to benefit various sectors of the economy. Retail businesses, restaurants, and tourism industries often see increased activity during longer daylight hours, as people are likelier to shop, dine out, and participate in outdoor activities after work.
  • Public Safety: Some studies suggest that DST can reduce traffic accidents and crime rates. More daylight in the evening can mean safer driving conditions and increased visibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, longer daylight hours can deter criminal activity.
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
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  • Health and Well-being: Proponents argue that more daylight in the evening encourages physical activity and outdoor recreation, which can positively affect physical and mental health. People are more likely to engage in exercise and spend time outside when it is still light after work or school.
  • Tradition and Habit: DST has been a long-standing practice in many countries, and changing or eliminating it would require a significant shift in societal routines and expectations. People and institutions are accustomed to the biannual clock changes, and inertia plays a role in its continuation.
  • Global Coordination: Many countries worldwide observe DST, and maintaining it helps align schedules for international business, travel, and communication. Coordinating time changes globally can reduce confusion and facilitate smoother interactions across time zones.

When Does 2024 Daylight Saving Time End?

November 3 at 2:00 am, we will set our clocks back one hour for Eastern Standard Time.

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