Believe it or not, the time to “fall back” is right around the corner. Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. This year’s change comes a day earlier than last year, marking the second earliest possible date for the seasonal switch.
From March through early November, clocks move forward an hour as part of DST, giving us longer evenings. But when it ends in the fall, we turn our clocks back, gaining an extra hour of rest while mornings become brighter and evenings darker.
How to Prepare for the Clock Change
On the night of Saturday, November 1, most people in the U.S. will roll their clocks back one hour. Here’s how to stay ready:
Manual clocks: Reset them before bed so you wake up to the correct time.
Digital devices: Phones, computers, and TVs update automatically at 2 a.m. Sunday.
Marking this date on your calendar ensures you don’t show up an hour early anywhere on Sunday.
The Impact of Gaining an Hour
While losing an hour in March often leaves people sluggish, gaining an hour in November tends to be easier on the body. Still, some adjustment may be needed. Experts recommend:
Gradually shifting bedtime in the days before the change.
Getting morning sunlight to help reset your body clock.
Maintaining a steady sleep schedule for smoother adjustment.
Health experts also note that seasonal changes in daylight can trigger sleep issues, mood shifts, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Safety Reminder: Check Smoke Alarms
The clock change also serves as a safety checkpoint. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York urges households to check or replace smoke alarm batteries when resetting clocks. A sobering statistic: about 60% of fire deaths occur in homes without working alarms.
Why Daylight Saving Time Exists
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced during World War I to conserve fuel. It returned during World War II and later became law under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Today, it’s managed by the Department of Transportation, with goals of saving energy, reducing accidents, and lowering crime rates.
However, not all states follow DST. Arizona (except the Navajo Nation), Hawaii, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands stay on Standard Time year-round.
The Ongoing Debate About DST
There’s been growing debate about whether the U.S. should stick to one time year-round. In 2022, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make DST permanent. However, the bill stalled in the House, leaving the twice-a-year ritual in place.
New York has also seen proposals to end clock changes, but so far, none have passed. For now, residents across the state — and much of the country — will continue adjusting their clocks each spring and fall.
Daylight Saving Time 2025 will officially end on November 2 at 2 a.m., giving us an extra hour of sleep but also earlier sunsets. While the tradition sparks ongoing debate, it remains a fixture in most states.
Use this time to reset not just your clocks, but also your sleep routine and safety devices like smoke alarms. A little preparation ensures a smooth transition into the darker, cooler months ahead.
