In less than one month, North Carolina residents will lose an hour of sleep as clocks ‘spring forward,’ marking the beginning of daylight saving time.
Most states will also observe the yearly time change, with the exception of Hawaii and Arizona (not including the Navajo Nation).
How long has this annual clock change occurred and when can you expect clocks to ‘spring forward’ and ‘fall back’ in 2024?
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What is daylight saving time and when did it begin?
In 1918, the Standard Time Act commenced the federal implementation of standard and daylight saving times, according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT oversees the observance of daylight saving time nationwide.
Clocks are forwarded by one hour, commencing the start of daylight saving each year on the second Sunday in March and turned back an hour on the first Sunday in November.
Daylight saving time exists to allow for better use of natural daylight, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Moving the clocks forward in the spring allows for more daylight in summer evenings and moving the clocks backwards in the fall allows for more daylight on winter mornings.
However, when daylight saving time was first introduced in the United States, it was used as a method to save on fuel costs during World War I.
Is it “daylight saving time” or “daylight savings time?”
While you have probably heard someone mention ‘daylight savings time,’ you’ll want to drop the S.
The accurate phrase is ‘daylight saving time’ because ‘saving’ acts as part of an adjective rather than a verb, according to the Old Farmer’s Alamanac.
When is daylight saving time in 2024?
You can expect clocks to ‘spring’ forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024, marking the beginning of daylight saving time.
For those worried about the loss of sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides a list of tips for adjusting to the time change:
- Shift your bedtime 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night for a few nights before the time change in order to more gradually adjust to the time change.
- Set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday evening, March 9, and go to bed at your normal bedtime.
- Head outside for some early morning sunlight Sunday morning. Exposure to sunlight will help regulate your morning routine.
- Get plenty of sleep on Sunday night to ensure you’re rested and ready for the week.
When does daylight saving end in 2024?
Clocks move forward an hour in March and they’ll fall back again in November. When they do, you can look forward to gaining an extra hour of sleep.
In 2024, daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.
First appeared on www.starnewsonline.com