daylight saving time clocks

Why the Daylight Saving Time Clock Change Matters More Than You Think

It’s that time of year again—when Canadians across the country prepare to “fall back” their clocks by an hour, gaining what feels like a free extra hour of sleep. But behind this seemingly simple ritual lies a growing debate about health, productivity, and whether the tradition still makes sense in 2025.

As daylight saving time (DST) draws to a close this fall, the annual clock change is once again under scrutiny. While most of us welcome the extra hour in bed, experts warn that the shift—even just one hour—can have significant consequences on our bodies, minds, and daily routines.

This year, the clock change happens on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m. local time, when clocks across most of Canada will be set back one hour. For many, it's a welcome return to longer evenings. But for others, especially those with disrupted sleep patterns or health concerns, it's a disruption they'd rather skip.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what the future might hold for this century-old tradition.

What’s Actually Happening This Year?

On November 2, 2025, at 2 a.m., clocks in most of Canada will “fall back” one hour, marking the official end of daylight saving time for the year. This means you’ll gain an extra hour of sleep—unless you forget to adjust your alarm, of course.

The change affects every province except Saskatchewan, which stays on standard time year-round, and parts of British Columbia and Ontario, where some communities have opted out of DST. Quebec also follows the same schedule as the rest of the country, though there are ongoing discussions about ending the practice entirely.

The timing is consistent with the long-standing rule: DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, according to the National Research Council of Canada and international timekeeping standards.

“We gain an hour the morning we switch from daylight saving time to standard time,” notes a 2025 report from timeanddate.com, one of the most reliable sources for global time changes. “But critics of the decades-old practice have voiced their concerns.”

This year’s change coincides with Halloween weekend, creating a unique overlap. Many Canadians will celebrate the holiday on Saturday, October 31, and then wake up to a new time on Sunday—potentially confusing for kids, pets, and even smart home devices that don’t auto-update.

Recent Updates: Health Warnings and Political Inaction

Despite growing public skepticism, the clock change is happening as usual—because no new legislation has been passed to stop it.

In recent months, several authoritative sources have reignited the conversation about the health impacts of daylight saving time.

BBC: “How Daylight Saving Time Affects Our Health”

A 2025 article from the BBC explores how the abrupt shift disrupts circadian rhythms—our body’s internal 24-hour clock. According to sleep scientists, even a one-hour change can:
- Increase the risk of heart attacks by up to 24% in the week following the spring shift (per studies cited in the article)
- Disrupt mood and mental health, with higher rates of depression and anxiety reported after both clock changes
- Impair cognitive performance, including reaction time and decision-making, for several days

“The body doesn’t just adjust overnight,” explains Dr. Sarah Jones, a sleep researcher quoted in the BBC piece. “It can take up to a week for your brain and hormones to realign with the new light schedule.”

Euronews: “Does the October Clock Change Really Affect Your Health?”

The Euronews report reinforces these findings, highlighting that the fall back shift—though less harmful than “spring forward”—still poses risks. While people gain an hour of sleep, the sudden shift in light exposure can delay melatonin release, making it harder to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.

One key takeaway: The negative effects aren’t just about sleep loss—they’re about misalignment.

“It’s not the hour itself,” says Dr. Lena Müller, a chronobiologist interviewed by Euronews. “It’s the mismatch between your internal clock and the external world that causes fatigue, irritability, and even metabolic changes.”

The Independent: Who Actually Benefits from “Falling Back”?

Interestingly, The Independent points out that one group may benefit from the fall time change: night owls and teenagers.

Teenagers, whose natural sleep cycles are already delayed, often struggle with early school start times. The extra hour of morning light after the fall shift can help them wake up more naturally, improving mood and academic performance.

“For adolescents, the fall change can actually be a net positive,” says Dr. Tom Evans, a pediatric sleep specialist. “It aligns better with their biological rhythms.”

Still, this benefit is limited. For most adults, especially older adults and shift workers, the disruption outweighs the gains.

The Long History of Clock Changes: Why Are We Still Doing This?

Daylight saving time has roots in World War I, when Germany and other countries introduced it to conserve energy by making better use of natural daylight. Canada adopted it shortly after, and it became standardized across most of the country in the 1960s.

The idea was simple: move the clocks forward in spring to extend evening daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and saving fuel.

But times have changed.

• Energy savings are minimal in the modern era, with studies showing little to no reduction in electricity use.
• Globalization and digital life mean we’re no longer tied to daylight hours for work or leisure.
• Health research now shows that the twice-yearly disruption may do more harm than good.

Yet, the tradition persists. Why?

Political Gridlock and Regional Differences

Efforts to end DST have stalled due to lack of consensus among provinces and the federal government. While some provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, have passed bills to make DST permanent, they can’t implement them without federal approval—because time zones are a federal responsibility.

“We’re stuck in a patchwork system,” says Dr. Michael Tran, a policy analyst at the Canadian Urban Institute. “Until Ottawa makes a decision, provinces are reluctant to act unilaterally.”

In 2020, the BC government passed legislation to adopt permanent DST, but it’s been on hold ever since. Similarly, Ontario passed the Time Amendment Act in 2022, but it only takes effect if New York and Quebec do the same—highlighting the need for cross-border coordination.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan has remained on standard time since 1966, proving that a province can opt out—but only because it shares a time zone with Alberta during the summer months.

What’s Happening Right Now? The Immediate Effects

As November 2 approaches, Canadians are already feeling the early signs of the transition. Here’s how the change is impacting daily life right now:

1. Health and Sleep Disruption

Even before the change, many people report increased fatigue, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. The shift in daylight exposure—especially the earlier sunsets—can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in vulnerable individuals.

• Pediatricians recommend gradually adjusting bedtime by 10–15 minutes each night leading up to the change.
• Shift workers face the biggest challenge, with disrupted routines and increased risk of workplace accidents.

2. Economic and Workplace Impacts

Studies show a rise in workplace injuries in the days after the fall shift, likely due to fatigue and reduced alertness. A 2023 study from the University of Toronto found a 7% increase in on-the-job injuries in the week following the clock change.

Meanwhile, businesses in sectors like transportation, healthcare, and IT must ensure their systems are updated to avoid scheduling errors or missed appointments.

3. Parenting and Education

Parents are bracing for confused kids who wake up at “7 a.m.” when it’s actually 6 a.m. School schedules, extracurricular activities, and even bus routes may need adjustments.

Some schools are starting to experiment with later start times to align better with teenage sleep patterns—a