Mon Nov 04 01:24:50 UTC 2024: ## Americans Brace for Sleep Disruption as Daylight Saving Time Ends
**Washington, D.C.** – On November 3, 2024, Americans will “fall back” an hour as daylight saving time (DST) ends, potentially leading to sleep disruptions and health effects. While many welcome the extra hour of sleep, the change can also cause temporary sleep deprivation, leading to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes.
The shift in time also affects our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is influenced by sunlight. Although the “fall back” brings an extra hour of morning light, it also means earlier sunsets and darker evenings, potentially triggering seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals.
DST, which was implemented in 1966, is meant to conserve energy and reduce crime rates, though research has shown minimal impact on these areas. The current DST practice, starting on the second Sunday of March and ending on the first Sunday of November, was adopted in 2007.
The annual practice has been gaining increasing criticism, with multiple states proposing bills to end clock switching. In March 2022, the Senate passed The Sunshine Protection Act, aiming to make DST permanent. The bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives.
While most clocks will automatically update, some appliances may require manual time adjustments. Individuals are advised to be aware of potential sleep disruptions and seek professional help if they experience SAD symptoms.
First Piper 