This past Sunday, while some Bluejays were squeezing the last bit of fun out of the Halloween weekend by playing tricks or enjoying treats and others were fast asleep, likely dreaming about Starbucks’ holiday menu, clocks across much of the country “fell back” one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) came to an end. While the extra hour of sleep may have felt like an early Christmas gift, especially with post-Fall Break exams, projects and assignments piling up, this period brings the arrival of shorter, darker days, presenting distinct challenges for college students.  

Although organizations such as the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine strongly advocate for year-round standard time because of its alignment with circadian biology, the transition away from DST comes with its own challenges. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the circadian rhythm is the body’s natural 24-hour clock and relies heavily on natural light and darkness to regulate sleep, alertness and mood.  

While standard time provides more natural light in the morning and supports a healthier sleep cycle, the tradeoff arrives around dinnertime. Suddenly, students are leaving late-afternoon classes only to discover that it looks much later than it actually is. Those earlier sunsets can contribute to fatigue, less motivation and even the feeling that the day disappeared before it really began.  

A 2025 AmLotus article notes that sunlight helps the brain produce serotonin, a hormone linked to mood regulation and cognitive function. As daylight becomes increasingly scarce throughout the fall and winter months, students may find it difficult to stay motivated, manage academic responsibilities and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. And for some individuals, this reduced sunlight exposure contributes to symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly known as the “winter blues.” According to Mental Health America, about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression each year, affecting roughly 10 million Americans.  

Even Creighton students have conflicted feelings about turning the clocks back.  

For College of Arts and Sciences senior and biology major Madison Latschar, this transition is frustrating.  

“While I do appreciate the earlier sunrise in the mornings, the earlier sunsets are hard, especially with classes,” she shared. “Walking out of my [afternoon] class as the sun begins to set makes the day feel much shorter.”  

Others welcome the premature sunsets, including College of Arts and Sciences senior Natalie Reardon. 

 “I like [standard time] when the sun goes down earlier because I am a night owl, and as soon as the sun goes down, I go up,” she said. 

Many college students may relate to Reardon’s sentiment. After all, it’s the late-night study sessions, social activities, and the occasional “just one more episode” that are all part of what makes the true college experience.  

Regardless of where students stand on the time change — whether welcoming the earlier sunsets or counting down the days until the clocks “spring” forward again — this transition serves as a reminder to prioritize physical and mental well-being. One of the best ways to avoid falling behind when the clocks “fall” back is to remain active. Research consistently links regular physical activity to improved mood, increased energy levels and even better sleep quality. 

Fortunately, Creighton students have access to several opportunities to keep moving until we “spring” ahead, including working out at the Kiewit Fitness Center (KFC), forming a team for intramural sports, and participating in a variety of group fitness classes. Sometimes, even a short walk between classes can go the extra mile!  

Equally important is monitoring one’s mental health and practicing self-care. Taking time to connect with friends and establishing healthy routines can minimize the effects of the seasonal changes as the holiday season approaches. For students seeking additional support, Creighton Student Counseling Services, located in Markoe Hall, compassionately addresses concerns including loneliness, self-esteem issues and stress, while also providing students with access to counseling and other resources.  

After all, as the clocks fall back, students do not have to do the same!