WISCONSIN -- This Sunday, November 5, Wisconsinites and people across the country will set their clocks back one hour, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) for 2024. As clocks "fall back" at 2:00 a.m., most residents will gain an extra hour of sleep and experience earlier sunsets for the coming months.
Daylight Saving Time was first introduced to make better use of daylight during the warmer months. By shifting the clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall, the idea was to save energy and make the most of longer days. However, this practice has been met with increasing debate. Proponents argue that longer daylight hours in the evening benefit commerce and reduce traffic accidents, while opponents cite disruptions to sleep schedules, productivity, and even health.
In Wisconsin, some local legislators have joined the national conversation about potentially moving to a permanent standard time or year-round daylight time. A handful of states, including Arizona and Hawaii, already observe standard time year-round.
As clocks are set back, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies remind residents to stay vigilant during the darker commute hours. With earlier nightfall, drivers should watch for pedestrians and cyclists and ensure vehicle lights are in good working order.
Here are a few tips to help adjust to the time change:
- Ease into the transition: Try going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each night leading up to Sunday.
- Take advantage of natural light: Spend time outdoors, especially in the morning, to help reset your internal clock.
- Prepare your home: Change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when adjusting clocks as a safety reminder.
Last Update: Oct 30, 2024 12:19 pm CDT
