GOSHEN COUNTY – With cooler weather and shorter days comes the end of Daylight-Saving Time (“DST”). This year, DST ends Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m. 

While many welcome the extra hour of sleep, others will notice that the extra darkness in the evening has negative effects on their mood and energy levels. The human body releases melatonin in increased levels at night and with earlier darkness the melatonin is released earlier causing drowsiness and affecting circadian sleep rhythms. Whether from the darkness or the change in sleep routines, many notice increased depression after DST ends. In fact, a 2017 Danish study found an 11% increase in depressive episodes in the ten weeks following the end of DST. Experts recommend being prepared for the change by slowly changing bedtime, going outside in the evening, and staying active. 

The state of Wyoming observes DST from March until November every year. A 2020 law was enacted in Wyoming determining the state would have permanent DST if it is also adopted by three or more states including Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Utah. A bill was introduced in 2023 to adopt permanent DST regardless of action by any other states, but the bill died in committee. Regardless of state action, the state laws cannot be implemented until Congress amends the Uniform Time Act of 1966. A bill doing so passed the Senate in 2022 but failed to pass in the House of Representatives. 

As the old joke goes, “If daylight would be more careful, maybe it wouldn’t need saving all the time.” But until then, make sure to change the clocks back one hour on Sunday morning.