Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday: Tips for a Smooth Adjustment
As daylight saving time ends this Sunday at 2 a.m., Americans will turn back their clocks one hour to return to standard time. The practice, introduced in 1918 to save fuel during World War I, has gradually lost public support. A recent AP-NORC poll shows that only about half of U.S. adults favor keeping the current system, while 47% oppose it. All states except Arizona and Hawaii will adjust their clocks this weekend.
Expert Advice on Adapting
Kenneth Lee, a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at the University of Chicago Medicine’s Sleep Center, recommends preparing gradually for the time shift.
“Begin pushing back your bedtime by 15 to 20 minutes a few nights before Sunday,” said Lee. “Changing your clock on Saturday evening helps you feel adjusted when you wake up.”
Lee advises aligning daily routines, including mealtimes and coffee breaks, with the adjusted sleep schedule. However, he warns against consuming additional caffeine since it can disrupt sleep.
Advice for Families
Parents with small children can use the same gradual approach by moving bedtime back slightly each night a few days before the transition.
“I have two young boys, and changing the clock a bit earlier helps them settle into the new schedule,” Lee noted.
Author’s Summary
Neurologist Kenneth Lee recommends small nightly adjustments and mindful routines to help both adults and children transition smoothly from daylight saving to standard time.