Community Corner

When Do Clocks Fall Back to End Daylight Saving Time 2013?

By Rebecca McCarthy

The dark days are growing nearer: You've got one week to go until it's time to turn your clocks to "fall back" one hour as daylight savings time ends.

Daylight savings time ends in the United States on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 a.m. By then, the sun won't be showing its face until 7:34 a.m.

You will be setting your clock back one hour, following the adage of “spring forward, fall back.” The “extra” hour gives you a chance to catch up on the sleep you lost in March when the clocks moved forward and daylight savings time began.

How daylight savings got its start

In an effort to save resources during World War II, the U.S. made daylight savings time mandatory for the whole country. And it was observed the entire year. Now it's optional for states, so, for example, if you travel from California to Arizona in the winter, you'll lose an hour.

Some studies have shown that extending daylight saving time results in a reduction in energy consumption; other studies suggest just the opposite.


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