As autumn arrives and days grow shorter, millions of Americans are preparing for the familiar ritual of adjusting their clocks back an hour this November for the end of daylight saving time.

The History Behind the Biannual Clock Changing Tradition

The practice of moving clocks forward in spring and backward in fall has origins dating back over 100 years. It was first introduced as a way to make the most of daylight hours and save energy. Benjamin Franklin is often credited with suggesting the idea in an essay back in 1784. However, daylight saving time as we know it was formally adopted in the U.S. in 1918 under the Standard Time Act and used again during World Wars I and II to conserve fuel.

Current Rules on Daylight Saving Time Observance

Nowadays, DST begins each year on the second Sunday in March when clocks spring forward an hour. It ends on the first Sunday in November when clocks fall back an hour. This schedule is followed by most states, with the exceptions of Arizona and Hawaii which opt out. The spring and fall clock changes are intended to provide extra evening daylight in warmer months. If you want you can also read- Arizona Time Zone: Always on Mountain Time [The Reasons Behind]

When Clocks Will Shift Back This Autumn

On Sunday, November 5 at 2 a.m., most Americans will gain an extra hour of sleep as clocks move back one hour. For New Jersey and most of the country, this marks the return to standard time.

The Ongoing Controversy Over Daylight Saving Time

As the annual clock change approaches, debates continue around the necessity and benefits of DST. Supporters argue it allows for longer summer evenings, while critics question its usefulness in modern times. But for now, the biannual clock adjustment remains a ritual for most of the United States.