At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, it’s time to set clocks back one hour as daylight saving time (DST) comes to an end.

This yearly time change has an interesting history, and we’ve gathered some fascinating details about its origins and unique practices worldwide.

1. A Bug Hunter’s Idea Sparked Daylight Saving Time

In 1895, George Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, conceptualized the modern idea of DST. His motivation was simple yet unusual: Hudson wanted more sunlight after work during summer so he could go bug hunting. He proposed a two-hour time shift to the Wellington Philosophical Society, though the idea gained little traction at first. In 1905, British builder William Willett suggested a similar concept, advocating for seasonal time changes to maximize daylight. Willett’s idea reached British Parliament in 1909, and by 1916, the United Kingdom officially adopted DST.

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2. Germany Led the Way in Observing Daylight Saving Time

Germany became the first country to officially implement DST on April 30, 1916, as a wartime measure to conserve electricity. This change was quickly followed by the United Kingdom, which introduced “summer time” soon after.

3. It’s Daylight ‘Saving’ – Not ‘Savings’

While it’s often called “daylight savings time,” the correct term is “daylight saving time” – without the extra “s.”

4. The United States Standardized DST in 1966

In the United States, Congress first passed a national law for DST during World War I in 1918, allowing states to decide whether they’d continue the practice after the war ended. The idea resurfaced during World War II, again as a fuel-saving measure. But it wasn’t until the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that DST became widely recognized across the country. Congress later set DST to start in March and end in November beginning in 2007.

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5. Some States Don’t Observe Daylight Saving Time

While DST is a widespread practice in the U.S., it’s not universal. Hawaii and parts of Arizona, among a few other areas, do not observe DST due to their unique daylight needs and climate.

6. DST Affects More Than Just Clocks

Daylight Saving Time impacts more than just our clocks—it affects various sectors and activities. Public transportation, broadcasting, medical schedules, and even agriculture are all influenced by the time shift. Airlines and train schedules can become complicated, with some regions observing DST and others not. Farmers also face challenges since their routines are closely tied to sunrise and sunset, which do not change with the clock.

7. DST Can Impact Health and Productivity

The time change disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and wake cycles. Studies have shown that adjusting clocks can lead to sleep deprivation, resulting in reduced productivity, impaired cognitive function, and even increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the Monday following the “spring forward” time change, there is often a noticeable spike in workplace accidents and injuries, as people struggle to adapt to the lost hour.

Source: Vanguard