Full Breakdown
Fall Back to Standard Time: What Happens When Daylight Saving Ends
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event – The Upcoming Time Change
On the first Sunday in November 2026, clocks will be set back one hour at 2 a.m. local time, moving the nation from daylight-saving time to standard time. The shift will remain in effect until the scheduled “spring forward” on March 14, when daylight-saving time resumes for the next season.
02
Background & Context
Daylight-saving time, first adopted in the United States during World War II, has been adjusted repeatedly. A nationwide attempt to make the summer schedule permanent failed after public outcry in the 1970s. More recently, the Sunshine Protection Act—passed by the House of Representatives on July 14—would make daylight-saving time permanent, but the bill is stalled in the Senate. President Donald Trump has publicly backed the legislation.
In Delaware, a separate effort to keep the state on daylight-saving time year-round was enacted as Senate Bill 73. The bill passed the Senate on June 12, 2019, cleared the House 35-5, and was signed by Gov. John Carney. However, the law cannot take effect without similar measures from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, plus approval from the U.S. secretary of transportation.
Visual evidence
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03
Health Implications
The body’s master clock, or circadian rhythm, is synchronized by exposure to morning light and darkness at night. When clocks shift, melatonin release is delayed, potentially disrupting sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Studies link the immediate days after a spring change to higher rates of car crashes and heart attacks; the fall shift can similarly provoke “jet-lag” symptoms for many.
People with dementia are especially vulnerable; disrupted rhythms can increase confusion and agitation. Cardiovascular patients may experience temporary spikes in blood pressure, and individuals with diabetes must carefully align medication and meals with the new schedule.
04
Official Statements & Responses
President Donald Trump has expressed support for the Sunshine Protection Act, urging Senate colleagues to back the measure. Health organizations—including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—advocate for permanent standard time, arguing it aligns better with natural daylight patterns and supports healthier sleep.
Delaware Representative Sarah McBride voted for the Sunshine Protection Act when it passed the House. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester and Chris Coons did not comment on the act; however, Senator Blunt Rochester has previously indicated opposition to permanent daylight-saving time.
05
Practical Advice for Residents
- Begin adjusting bedtime and wake-time by 15–20 minutes each night, starting about four days before the change.
- Seek morning sunlight; if outdoor exposure is limited, sit by a bright window.
- For those on medication schedules, confirm timing with a healthcare provider to avoid dosing errors.
- Older adults should use nightlights, keep pathways clear, and sit on the edge of the bed before standing to reduce fall risk.
06
What’s Next
The Sunshine Protection Act remains pending in the Senate, leaving the biannual clock change in place for the foreseeable future. Delaware’s permanent-daylight-saving law will stay dormant until neighboring states act and federal transportation approval is granted. The next daylight-saving period is set to begin on Sunday, March 14, 2027.