Get ready to live through the 1 a.m. hour twice this Sunday.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4., when it’s time to officially roll the clocks back an hour.
In 2012, Daylight Saving Time began at 2 a.m. March 11.
The concept of daylight saving was first practiced in Germany as an energy saving measure during World War I, according to National Geographic. The U.S. set a standard schedule in 1918, though to this day it's optional for states to observe.
The schedule has undergone a number of changes over the years, the most recent happening in 2007. Daylight saving's start shifted from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November, while the end moved from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March. The change was dictated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Although “falling back” is easier than springing forward an hour in March, time changes can still disrupt sleep cycles. The National Institutes of Health offer these tips for getting a good night’s sleep:
- Work out early: While exercise is important to good health, schedule your workouts at least two to three hours before you plan on going to bed.
- Kick the caffeine: The stimulating effects of caffeine in coffee, tea and even chocolate can last as long as eight hours, so drink up only early in the day.
- Say no to nightcaps: A glass of wine might put you to sleep, but you’ll be more likely to wake up in the middle of the night once the alcohol wears off.
- Take a load off: Give yourself a break and relax for a while before bedtime by reading, listening to music or taking a hot bath.
- Get out: Make time on Sunday to get some fresh air. Exposure to sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns.
