What to Do With Extra Hour When We 'Fall Back' on Sunday

By Scott Bernarde

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m., when we “fall back” to Standard Time.

We get an extra hour added to the weekend — like that’s going to make up for the months of early sunsets we’ll have until March.

So, what are you going to do with the extra hour?

Not including those things you should do when the time changes — check batteries in smoke detectors, check filters in the furnace, get an oil change — here are a few things to keep in mind:

Stay up later for the Dawgs: One way to look at the time change is that you get to repeat the 1 a.m.-2 a.m. hour. Not that you have to stay up that late, but it’s good to know you got an extra hour in your pocket when you’re celebrating Georgia’s college football win over Florida in the “world’s largest outdoor cocktail party.” (Gator fans, you know it’s going to happen)

Sleep in? Many use the extra hour for sleep, but TheBump.com says the time change is a sleep challenge for parents of babies. That 6 a.m. wakeup for your toddler for the past six months will be 5 a.m. on Nov. 3. Here are some suggestions ontransitioning sleep patterns with the time change. Adults, just remember, your body will think it’s an hour earlier when you get up for work Monday.

Put it to use: The weather in Gwinnett is expected to be sunny and mild, with a high temperature of 60. That means you’ve got an extra hour to work in the yard, play at the playground with your kids, or take a hike. Think you got it in you to walk up Stone Mountain?

Give it back: How about using the hour to help others in need? Check out the Patch listings in the business, boards and events listings to find a local charity that needs an extra hand. Sunday’s Out of the Darkness community walk to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention might be your first opportunity.

Commuting in the Dark: Like the first day of school super-charged, you might find havoc on the Monday morning rush. The U.S. Department of Transportation says traffic incidents are down during Daylight Saving Time, which we suppose means they’re up during standard time? Be careful out there.