Daylight saving time comes to an end

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Come Sunday, Nov. 2, clocks will fall back an hour, bringing daylight saving time to a close.

For example, when the clock goes to strike 2 a.m. on Sunday, it will actually fall back to 1 a.m., which means you’ll gain an extra hour of sleep, and mornings will be brighter.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the sun will rise at 7:48 a.m. By Sunday, it will rise at 6:49 a.m.

However, sunsets will come earlier, with the sun setting around 5:15 p.m.

Daylight saving time began with the passage of the Standard Time Act, the first U.S. law to establish standard time zones and institute daylight saving time. The act was designed to conserve fuel and provide uniform timekeeping across the country during World War I.

In 1966, the Uniform Time Act established a consistent daylight saving schedule nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees time zones. Under that act, states that observe daylight saving time must follow federally mandated start and end dates.

Debate continues over whether to end the biannual clock changes. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced in January 2025, proposes making daylight saving time permanent, but the legislation has not yet been brought to a vote.

Some people have mixed opinions about the end of daylight saving time because it means less sunlight and darker evenings.

Peggy Wheeler, a St. Joseph resident, stated, "I like this daylight saving time because as an older person, I really enjoy the extra hours in the evenings with less daylight."

The time change can also affect the body, especially for children. Experts recommend that parents and caregivers begin adjusting sleep schedules a few days in advance to help kids acclimate.

“Seasonal depression” is a term often discussed on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The Mayo Clinic identifies seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a type of depression related to seasonal changes.

SAD typically begins and ends around the same time each year. For some people, symptoms start in the fall and continue through the winter months, often causing fatigue, mood changes, low energy, weight gain and changes in appetite.

People with bipolar disorder are also at increased risk of developing seasonal affective disorder. For some, episodes of mania may be linked to specific times of the year.

Tausha Taylor, a therapist with Tailored Counseling, defined SAD further.

“It’s really, you know, a mood that interferes with maybe your social life, getting your home chores done, homework, or maybe interferes with your relationships with other people," said Taylor.

People can manage seasonal affective disorder include exercising, developing new hobbies, using a sun lamp and maintaining a consistent sleep routine.

Although Daylight saving time brings an extra hour of sleep, it’s also a good time to reset, both physically and mentally, for the darker and colder days ahead.

On Saturday night, don’t forget to change your clocks, so you’re not running behind on Sunday morning.