Every year, as October and November roll around in the United States, an old tradition comes back into the spotlight. This is the time when the entire country sets its clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Digital clocks adjust automatically, but old wall clocks or alarm clocks in the kitchen often leave many people confused for a few days.
The same change will happen again in 2025, and this time the clocks will be set back on the morning of November 2nd. The feeling of cold will increase, evenings will get shorter, and the same old question will echo again—is DST still necessary? Or are we just continuing it out of habit?
What is Daylight Saving Time and how did it begin?
Daylight Saving Time began with a simple idea. In the summer, evenings are longer and natural light lasts longer. The purpose of DST was to make full use of this light so that people would use less electricity and save energy.
In 1966, it was officially made a part of the American time system under the Uniform Time Act. According to this law:
- Clocks are set forward one hour on the second Sunday of March every year.
- Clocks are set back one hour on the first Sunday of November.
The advantage of this change was that people could spend time outdoors during the long summer evenings, play sports, and complete many tasks in the extra daylight.
But today’s world is not the same as it was in the 1960s. Electricity is not only needed for lighting but also for machines, gadgets, and 24/7 services. This is why the real benefits of DST are now being questioned.
DST 2025 Timeline
In 2025, DST began on March 9th and will end on November 2nd.
While the benefit of longer evenings was enjoyed, due to changing lifestyles, people are now asking, “Is this tradition still relevant to our modern needs?”
An extra hour of sleep—pleasant or disruptive?
As Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends, people get an extra hour of sleep. Many consider this a small gift. But health experts say that changing the clocks disrupts the body’s natural rhythm, or circadian rhythm.
This change most significantly affects:
- Parents of young children
- Shift workers
- Elderly people
- Individuals experiencing mental stress
In the first few days after the time change, problems such as fatigue, insomnia, decreased concentration, and irritability are common. According to some studies, there has also been an increase in road accidents and cardiovascular risks within 48 hours of the end of DST.
For this reason, many experts now say that changing the clocks twice a year is detrimental to health.
The Political Debate on DST—Why Does This Issue Arise Every Year?
DST is not just a clock-changing tradition. It is a sensitive issue linked to politics, the economy, and people’s preferences.
Some believe that longer summer evenings are better, while others consider morning light more important for children’s safety and work. The opinions of political leaders have also changed over time.
In 2024 and 2025, former President Donald Trump made two different statements:
- Once saying that DST should be made permanent,
- and another time saying that it should be abolished altogether.
This makes it clear that the debate on DST is not only scientific but also political.
Stalled Efforts in Congress
The U.S. Congress has been discussing changes to DST for many years.
In 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act was passed, which aimed to:
- Make DST permanent.
- End the tradition of changing clocks.
But this bill did not receive final approval and was subsequently stalled. It was reintroduced in 2025, but progress remains slow.
On the other hand, more than 29 states have taken steps at their own level to eliminate or make DST permanent.
Some states and U.S. territories do not currently observe DST:
- Hawaii
- Most of Arizona
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- American Samoa
- U.S. Virgin Islands Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
What will happen on November 2, 2025?
On Sunday, November 2, clocks will be turned back one hour at 2:00 AM.
After this change:
- Mornings will feel brighter.
- Evenings will get darker earlier.
- Outdoor activities will have to end sooner.
- Days will feel shorter.
- The feeling of winter will increase.
Some people will find this change comfortable, while for many it will feel like a disruption to their routine.
Is DST still necessary?
The question now is whether DST is truly beneficial in today’s world.
Facts show:
- Energy savings are less than 1%.
- Direct impact on sleep
- Mental health affected
- Reduced productivity
- Increased accident risk
For these reasons, experts and social groups are asking, is it wise to continue DST?
Will DST end in the future?
The discussion is ongoing, but no final decision has been made yet.
Until Congress passes new legislation, the process of changing clocks in March and November will continue every year in the United States.
Conclusion: An extra hour, but a big question
In 2025, DST will end once again, and you will get an extra hour.
But with it comes a big question—
Should we continue this tradition, or should we end it now?
The small act of changing the clock has a profound impact on people’s sleep, health, daily routines, and social behavior.
This year, when you turn your clock back, pause for a moment and think—should we continue this change every year, or would it be better to use the same time all year round?
FAQs
Q. When will Daylight Saving Time end in 2025?
A. DST will end on November 2, 2025, when clocks will be turned back one hour at 2 a.m.
Q. Why do clocks go back in November?
A. Clocks are set back to return to Standard Time, which brings brighter mornings and earlier sunsets.
Q. Does the time change affect health?
A. Yes. The shift can disrupt sleep patterns and cause fatigue, reduced focus, and mood changes for a few days.
Q. Is the U.S. planning to end Daylight Saving Time?
A. There are ongoing discussions, but no final decision. DST will continue until Congress passes a new law.
Q. Do all states follow DST?
A. No. Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
