Don’t forget — You’re getting extra time this weekend when Michigan falls back

This weekend marks the return to standard time in Michigan. At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, the clocks will roll back one hour, giving you an extra hour of sleep. If you still rely on manual clocks, it’s a good idea to set them back an hour tonight (Saturday, November 1) before heading to bed.

Aside from the time shift, it’s also a smart moment to test the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms — fire authorities recommend it whenever the clocks change.

As autumn progresses, Michigan has already been experiencing shorter daylight hours, and with standard time now restored, the sun will continue to set earlier each day until we reach the winter months.

What you need to know

When does the time change happen?
Daylight Saving Time ends at exactly 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025 — the first Sunday of November. At that instant, clocks go back one hour.

Do you lose or gain an hour?
You gain an hour. The shift back means that 2:00 a.m. becomes 1:00 a.m., effectively giving you an extra hour of rest. Consequently, sunrise and sunset will each occur an hour earlier compared to the previous day under daylight time.

What are sunrise and sunset times across Michigan?
They vary depending on location and which time zone you’re in (Eastern or Central). For example:

• Detroit: sunrise ~7:07 a.m.; sunset ~5:24 p.m.

  
  
  

• Grand Rapids: sunrise ~7:18 a.m.; sunset ~5:35 p.m.

• Marquette (Upper Peninsula): sunrise ~7:33 a.m.; sunset ~5:32 p.m.
  These times reflect the shift and will continue to trend toward shorter daylight hours.

When does winter truly begin?
The winter solstice — when the Northern Hemisphere receives its least daylight — occurs at 8:03 a.m. EST on December 21. After that, daylight will gradually begin to lengthen again.

Why do people call it “daylight savings” vs “daylight saving”?
Although many say “Daylight Savings Time,” the correct term is Daylight Saving Time (without the “s” at the end of “Saving”).

What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
DST is the practice of moving the clock ahead by one hour during warmer months, so that the evening hours benefit from more daylight. When DST ends, clocks revert to standard time. The idea is to better align daylight with the hours most people are active outdoors.

When will DST return?
It will come back at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026, when we will “spring forward” by setting the clocks ahead one hour again.

Many regions around the world — including most of the U.S. — still engage in this biannual clock change. However, there’s growing debate over whether the practice remains necessary or beneficial.

Why the shift matters

When the clocks change twice a year, it’s not just convenience at stake — there are health and safety implications. Studies have found that transitions affect sleep, mood, risk of cardiovascular events, and even traffic accidents. For example, research shows the shift into DST is linked with increased heart-attacks and strokes, likely because of the disruption to our internal biological clocks (circadian rhythms).

While the “fall back” switch in November is generally easier to manage because you gain an hour of sleep, it still marks the beginning of a period with less daylight in the evenings — something to be mindful of for safety (especially driving) and general well-being.

How to prepare your home & body

• Change manual clocks before going to sleep Saturday night — think wall clocks, appliance clocks, car dashboards not set automatically.

• Test smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries if needed — the time change is a great reminder.

• Allow for darker evenings — after the fallback, the sun will set earlier and you’ll want to plan indoor/outdoor activities accordingly.

• Maintain sleep hygiene — even though you gain an hour this weekend, adjusting your schedule gradually (bedtime, movement, light exposure) can help your body transition smoother.

• Be extra cautious driving early/late, especially in the coming weeks when daylight is reduced and dusk comes sooner.

• Use the extra hour wisely — whether for rest, reflection, or preparing for the shift in seasons.

Final thought

This weekend’s clock adjustment is a small but significant seasonal marker: one hour gained, yes — but also one more step into the winter phase of the year, with earlier sunsets and shorter days ahead. Reset your clocks, check those safety devices, and take one hour to adjust — because with the shift, stepping thoughtfully into the darker half of the year matters.

FAQ

Q: When exactly do I change my clock?
A: Set your clock back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night (Nov 1). The official change is at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, Nov 2.

Q: Do I lose or gain time?
A: You gain one hour — clocks go back an hour, giving you an extra hour of sleep or free time.

Q: Will my smartphone automatically update?
A: Most modern devices do update automatically if time zone and automatic update are enabled — but always check manual clocks and older devices.

Q: Why is it important for smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms?
A: The time-change offers a simple reminder to test these safety devices and replace batteries, which many households overlook.

Q: Will the shift change how much daylight I get?
A: Yes — after reverting to standard time, you’ll notice sunset begins earlier in the afternoon and daylight hours gradually shorten until the winter solstice.

Q: Is it bad for my health to change clocks?
A: Research shows clock changes can disrupt sleep, mood, and biological rhythms, increasing risk of accidents, heart/circulatory events and other health issues.

Q: Has there been any move to stop changing clocks twice a year?
A: Yes — legislative efforts such as the proposed Sunshine Protection Act have aimed to make daylight saving time permanent, but no nationwide change has yet been implemented.