Fall Back This Weekend: Time to Turn the Clocks and Reset Your Routine

It’s that time of year again—when we “fall back” and gain an extra hour of sleep. Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, so before heading to bed on Saturday night, remember to set your clocks back one hour.

While the extra hour might sound like a bonus, the time change can throw off sleep schedules and energy levels for a few days. Even small shifts in daylight exposure can affect mood and concentration—especially in children and older adults.

Here are a few practical tips to make the transition easier:

1. Ease into it. Start adjusting now by going to bed and waking up about 10–15 minutes later each day leading up to Sunday.

2. Soak up the sun. Morning sunlight helps reset your circadian rhythm; spend a few minutes outdoors early in the day.

3. Stick to your routine. Keep regular times for meals, exercise, and bedtime—even on weekends.

4. Limit caffeine and screens. Avoid caffeine and screens in the hour before bed to help you fall asleep.

5. Check home safety devices. The end of Daylight Saving Time is a great reminder to check smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights.

“Changing the clocks is the perfect time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Clinton Fire Chief Jeremy Marshall. “Working alarms save lives. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes this weekend to test their devices—it’s a simple step that can make all the difference.”

As the days grow shorter, use the extra hour this weekend to start your Sunday refreshed and ready for the week ahead.