Chicago Clocks End Daylight Saving Time on Nov 1

Chicago-area residents will end daylight saving time on Nov. 1 as clocks move back one hour under federal rules, with shorter days ahead and a national debate continuing over whether seasonal time changes should end permanently.

According to NBC Chicago, daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November under federal law and will resume on March 14, 2027, because the second Sunday of March falls later on the calendar next year.

The city will continue losing daylight after the clock change, with sunsets reaching 4:44 p.m. by Nov. 1, according to TimeandDate. Chicago will have about nine hours and 23 minutes of daylight per day by the end of November, NBC Chicago reported.

A scientific analysis reviewed by USA TODAY examined the health effects of permanent standard time and permanent daylight saving time. Ralph Mistlberger, co-author of the analysis, said morning light plays a central role in regulating human biological clocks.

"Morning light is the primary environmental time cue that aligns our biological clocks to local time. If morning light is delayed, our clocks and all the rhythms they control are delayed," said Ralph Mistlberger, co-author of the analysis.

The analysis found permanent daylight saving time would keep evenings lighter but delay sunrise by an hour, while permanent standard time would better match natural light patterns, according to USA TODAY. Experts cited possible impacts on sleep, mood and circadian rhythms.

Political efforts have focused on the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make daylight saving time permanent and remove seasonal clock changes. The House passed the measure earlier this summer, but it still requires Senate approval and presidential action.

Sen. Rick Scott, who sponsored the Sunshine Protection Act, argued that longer evening daylight would provide more opportunities for outdoor activities.

"For many Americans, an extra hour of daylight means more time to play outside with their kids, walk their dog, or spend time with neighbors," said Sen. Rick Scott, sponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act.

Scott also said the proposal would give people more time after work during daylight hours.

"Americans work hard, and they deserve more free time to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer," said Sen. Rick Scott, sponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act.

Opponents of permanent daylight saving time have raised concerns about darker winter mornings. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, criticized the proposal and pointed to difficulties caused by a previous attempt at permanent daylight saving time in the 1970s.

"Arkansans don’t want their kids going to school in the pitch dark, and I’ll always put Arkansas first," said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas.

Researchers cited by USA TODAY said permanent daylight saving time could create more social jet lag by shifting morning light later, especially affecting children and teenagers whose school schedules remain unchanged.

"Our biological clocks need morning light to stay synchronized with the 24-hour day," said Ralph Mistlberger, co-author of the analysis.