When Do We Fall Back? Time to "Fall Back" into Earlier Hours

As the days grow shorter and the leaves change color, we know that the fall season is upon us. And with the fall season comes the annual tradition of "falling back" into earlier hours. But when exactly do we fall back? And why do we do it in the first place?

When Do We Fall Back?

In the United States, we fall back on the first Sunday of November at 2:00 AM. This year, that means we will fall back on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Why Do We Fall Back?

We fall back to standard time in order to save energy. By moving the clocks back one hour, we can make better use of the natural daylight hours during the winter months. This can lead to significant energy savings, as we can reduce our reliance on artificial lighting.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we can save up to 1% of our national electricity consumption by observing daylight saving time.

Additional Information

• Most of the United States observes daylight saving time, with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii.
• Daylight saving time was first implemented in the United States during World War I as a way to conserve energy.
• The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the current system of daylight saving time, which begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.

How to Prepare for Falling Back

Falling back can disrupt our sleep schedules, so it is important to prepare in advance. Here are a few tips:

• Go to bed and wake up a little earlier each day leading up to the time change.
• Get plenty of sunlight during the day to help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.

Stories and Lessons

• The Story of Benjamin Franklin: Benjamin Franklin is often credited with being the first person to propose the idea of daylight saving time. In a letter to the editor of the Journal de Paris in 1784, Franklin suggested that Parisians could save money on candles by waking up earlier and taking advantage of the natural daylight.
• The Lesson: We can learn from Benjamin Franklin's example to be more mindful of our energy consumption and to look for ways to conserve resources.
• The Story of the Great Blackout of 1965: In 1965, a massive power outage affected the northeastern United States and Canada. The blackout is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including a high demand for electricity and a lack of coordination between power companies.
• The Lesson: The Great Blackout of 1965 is a reminder of how important it is to have a reliable energy supply. Daylight saving time can help us to reduce our demand for electricity and make our energy grid more resilient.
• The Story of the Energy Crisis of the 1970s: In the 1970s, the United States faced an energy crisis that was caused by a combination of factors, including the oil embargo and the high cost of oil. The energy crisis led to a number of measures being taken to conserve energy, including the extension of daylight saving time.
• The Lesson: The Energy Crisis of the 1970s is another example of how daylight saving time can be used to reduce our demand for energy.

Effective Strategies

Here are some effective strategies for making the most of daylight saving time:

• Use the extra hour of daylight to be more productive.
• Get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.

FAQs

• When do we fall back in 2023?
  • We fall back on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
• Why do we fall back?
  • We fall back to standard time in order to save energy.
• How can I prepare for falling back?
  • Go to bed and wake up a little earlier each day leading up to the time change. Get plenty of sunlight during the day to help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down before sleep.
• What are some effective strategies for making the most of daylight saving time?
  • Use the extra hour of daylight to be more productive. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Spend time with family and friends. Reflect on the past year and set goals for the future.

Call to Action

As we fall back into earlier hours, let us use this opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. Let us also use this time to be more mindful of our energy consumption and to look for ways to conserve resources. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.