Michigan prepares to ‘fall back’ to standard time on Sunday

• The majority of the US will ‘fall back’ an hour on Sunday morning to standard time
• Some clocks will automatically update, providing people with an extra hour of sleep
• Legislative efforts to stop the constant time adjustments have stalled

It’s that time of year again when people look forward to extra sleep — or dread the loss of sunlight — as clocks are set to “fall back” an hour. 

The time change occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Cell phones, computers and other digital devices should update the time automatically but people with manual clocks and watches will need to physically change them.

History

The ongoing cycle of changing the clocks from standard time to daylight saving and back is something that most people have gotten used to — it dates back to a federal law passed in 1918 —  but Michigan lawmakers have made several efforts to end it once and for all.

Daylight saving time was initially implemented in the U.S. in 1918 to save fuel and energy during World War l. After years of controversy and confusion, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 permanently established daylight saving time. Hawaii and Arizona (except the Navajo Nation) are the only states to observe standard time year-round, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Related: Like it or not, Michigan: Clocks change Sunday to standard time

Which is better? 

There’s often debate about the change back to standard time. Some experts say it aligns better with the human body clock. Sunset occurs in the late afternoon, so while skies are lighter in the morning, it gets dark earlier in the evening. Proponents of daylight saving time say it’s better for road safety and promotes recreation, among other benefits.

Michigan is among several states that have considered legislation to halt constant time adjustments. A bill sponsored by state Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, would have Michigan adopt either permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time, although a switch to permanent daylight saving would only happen if neighboring states do the same. The bill has gone nowhere.

The U.S. Senate last year passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent. The measure died in the House because lawmakers could not agree on whether to make daylight saving time or standard time permanent, Reuters news service reported.

It can’t be that bad, can it?

Some research suggests a link between car crashes and the end of daylight saving time. In November 2023 there were over 30,000 crashes, more than any other month of the year, according to a report by the Michigan State Police.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the hour when clocks should be changed.