This coming Sunday, November 2, both Cuba and most parts of the United States will transition to winter time as they set their clocks back for the seasonal change.
In Cuba, the switch to winter hours will occur at midnight, from Saturday, November 1 to Sunday, November 2. Official instructions indicate that at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, clocks should be set back by one hour, effectively turning the time back to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The last time Cuba adjusted its clocks was on March 9, 2025, for Daylight Saving Time. Despite this biannual ritual, no significant improvement in the energy landscape has been achieved over these eight months.
Time Shift in the U.S.: Routine vs. Political Debate
Simultaneously, at 2:00 a.m. on November 2, the United States will conclude its Daylight Saving Time and revert to standard time as per the Energy Policy Act of 2005. When the clock strikes 2:00 a.m., it will be set back to 1:00 a.m., giving early risers an extra hour of sleep.
While modern electronic devices automatically update, manual adjustment is necessary for analog clocks and devices without internet connectivity. This change impacts natural light cycles, leading to earlier sunrises and sunsets, thus affecting daily routines of workers, students, and families. The day of the change effectively extends to 25 hours.
Florida's Ongoing Struggle with Federal Regulations
In states like Florida, time changes persist despite efforts to abolish the biannual clock shifts. In 2018, Florida passed the "Sunshine Protection Act" to permanently remain on Daylight Saving Time. However, this requires a federal amendment—specifically to the Uniform Time Act of 1966—which hinges on Congress's approval. This debate remains unresolved in Washington, leaving Floridians to endure the biannual time shifts.
Who Doesn't Change the Clock in the U.S.?
Though most of the U.S. participates in this time transition, some areas do not. Exemptions include Hawaii, most of Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation), Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These regions stay on standard time year-round, citing that the energy savings do not justify the disruption caused by time changes.
Is Daylight Saving Time Worth It?
Since its implementation in 1918, Daylight Saving Time has sparked ongoing controversy. Originally introduced to conserve energy, modern studies question its effectiveness. Moreover, the adjustment is linked to increased traffic accidents, disrupted sleep, and mental health issues. Experts advise gradual sleep schedule adjustments, reducing screen time before bed, and seeking morning sunlight exposure to ease the transition.
FAQs About Daylight Saving Time and Its Impacts
Why do Cuba and the U.S. change time for winter?
Cuba and the U.S. adjust their clocks to align with seasonal daylight changes, originally aimed at saving energy by making better use of daylight during the evenings.
What are the effects of Daylight Saving Time on health?
Adjusting the clock can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to health issues such as insomnia and increased risk of accidents. It can also impact mental health due to changes in light exposure.
Which areas in the U.S. do not observe Daylight Saving Time?
States and territories like Hawaii, most of Arizona, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe Daylight Saving Time.