This Sunday, November 3, marks the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Southern Oregon and much of the United States. At 2:00 a.m., clocks will “fall back” one hour, giving residents an extra hour of sleep and signaling the start of standard time, which will last until March. The time change means more daylight in the morning and earlier sunsets in the evening, marking a significant shift as the days continue to shorten through fall and winter.
For many, this adjustment brings welcome relief, especially for those who enjoy earlier sunrises or have a hard time getting up in the dark. The change means that for a few weeks, Southern Oregonians can expect lighter skies around 6:00 a.m., making early commutes and school drop-offs a bit brighter. However, the trade-off is that sunset will occur as early as 4:50 p.m. in some areas by the end of November, requiring people to wrap up evening activities before the light fades.
The “fall back” period has been met with mixed reactions across communities. Studies suggest the adjustment may come with health benefits, including improved sleep for some as our natural body clocks are given more alignment with the earlier sunsets of winter. However, this adjustment still has its downsides. The early sunset hours mean that people are often driving home from work or school in the dark, increasing the risk of accidents.
Local officials urge Southern Oregonians to be mindful of the increased danger. Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers should take extra caution on the roads as visibility declines with the darker evenings. “The end of DST is always a time to remind folks to be safe on the road, particularly with rain and winter weather just around the corner,” said a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The twice-yearly clock adjustment has stirred debate for decades, with mounting opposition to DST. Initially introduced in the United States in 1918 as a way to save energy during the World War I effort, Daylight Saving Time was later made more permanent during World War II. Since then, states have used DST to maximize daylight during longer summer days.
However, critics argue that the benefits have dwindled in the modern era. Research has shown that energy savings are minimal, and the disruption to sleep patterns can actually have negative health impacts, leading to temporary increases in heart attacks and fatigue-related accidents. States like Hawaii and Arizona have opted out of DST entirely, remaining on standard time year-round.
In recent years, a movement to make DST permanent has gained momentum. Congress has introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, which would eliminate the twice-a-year clock change and keep daylight saving time throughout the year. However, the bill remains stalled, leaving Americans to “fall back” and “spring forward” for the foreseeable future.
As November 3 approaches, Southern Oregonians are advised to prepare for the adjustment. It’s helpful to start winding down earlier, gradually adjusting bedtime to ease the shift. Setting reminders to change clocks, checking batteries in smoke detectors, and double-checking alarm clocks will also help make the transition smoother.
While the extra hour may be a welcome addition to the weekend, the end of Daylight Saving Time is also a reminder of the long winter nights ahead. For now, Southern Oregon will continue to adapt, making the most of the time we’re given.
