Fall Back: When to Change Clocks and Why We Do It
You know that feeling, right? The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning, and the air is crisp. Fall is in the air, and with it comes a familiar ritual: changing the clocks back. But when exactly does this happen, and why do we even bother?
The biannual tradition of springing forward and falling back is a bit of a head-scratcher. We're all familiar with the concept, but the "why" can be a bit hazy. The US and many other countries observe Daylight Saving Time, a system that shifts the clock forward by an hour during the summer months. This is meant to make better use of daylight hours, giving folks more time to enjoy the sunshine and potentially saving energy.
But come fall, we fall back to standard time, setting our clocks back one hour. This usually occurs on the first Sunday in November. So, for 2023, that means marking your calendars for November 5th.
Now, before you start cursing the extra hour of sleep (because let's be real, who wouldn't want more sleep?), there's a bit more to it than just shifting the clock. Some argue that falling back actually helps us sleep better, aligning our bodies with the natural rhythms of the day.
However, some studies suggest that the change can actually disrupt our sleep patterns, especially in the days following the adjustment. This can leave us feeling a little groggy and out of sorts. But hey, at least you can enjoy that extra hour of morning sunlight, right?
Ultimately, whether you love or hate falling back, it's a tradition we've come to accept. So, set your alarms, adjust your clocks, and get ready for a few more hours of darkness before the days start getting longer again.