HEALTH
Daylight saving time ends soon. Tennessee’s sleep woes may not as clocks fall back
Diana LeyvaNashville Tennessean
Oct. 29, 2026, 4:03 a.m. CT
- A recent study ranks Tennessee among the worst states for sleep, anxiety, and obesity.
- Nearly 40% of Tennesseans report getting insufficient sleep, according to the healthcare service provider NiceRX.
- Experts suggest the end of daylight saving time is an opportunity to establish healthier sleep habits.
Tennesseans aren’t getting enough sleep
According to a study from NiceRX, Tennessee ranks among the states where residents get the least amount of sleep
The healthcare service provider analyzed data on obesity, insufficient sleep and anxiety disorders across all 50 states. Tennessee received a “weight worries” score of 7.33 out of 10 based on its rates of sleeplessness, anxiety and obesity, the fifth-highest score in the study
Beyond sleep concerns, the study found that the Volunteer State ranks among the states with the highest obesity rates in the country, a factor that can contribute to sleep-related health issues
As daylight saving time comes to an end, experts encourage Tennesseans to prioritize healthy sleep habits and take advantage of the extra hour of sleep when clocks “fall back.”
“As the clocks fall back this November, our sleep patterns can become disrupted,” said NiceRx President Rob Stransky in a statement. “The shorter daylight hours can affect the body’s circadian rhythms, potentially leading to changes in sleep quality and increased feelings of grogginess and tiredness.”
“Reduced exposure to daylight can also influence melatonin production, the hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle,” he added. “Despite technically gaining an hour when the clocks change, our internal body clocks may take time to adjust. As a result, some people may find themselves waking earlier than intended.”
Here’s what else Tennesseans should know as the country prepares to turn back the clocks
Tennessee ranks among the worst states for sleep, study finds
According to NiceRX, Midwestern and Southern states dominated the rankings for poor sleep and related health concerns
Tennessee rounded out the top five with an overall score of 7.33 out of 10, driven by an adult obesity rate of 37.6%, an insufficient sleep rate of 39.8% and an anxiety disorder rate of 18.7%
The findings suggest Southern and Appalachian states face some of the country’s most significant combined health challenges, with high rates of obesity, anxiety and insufficient sleep contributing to lower overall sleep health
“West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee all appear in the top ten for at least two indicators,” wrote NiceRX. “These regions share systemic issues, such as limited healthcare access, food insecurity, and high poverty rates, that compound across both physical and mental health.”
- Hawaii (45.9%)
- West Virginia (42.6%)
- Alabama (41.4%)
- Louisiana (40.5%)
- Ohio (39.9%)
- Arkansas (39.9%)
- Tennessee (39.8%)
- Kentucky (39.6%)
- Nevada (39.3%)
- Florida (38.8%)
How to prepare your sleep schedule for the end of daylight saving time
According to Stransky, making sleep a priority during the transition to shorter daylight hours can help support a consistent sleep routine and maintain good sleep quality
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and limiting caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals and screen time before bed can also help improve sleep
Sleep, anxiety and obesity are often interconnected, making it important to address overall health rather than focus on a single issue, said Stransky. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can help improve sleep quality and support long-term well-being
“In addition to these approaches, some individuals who struggle with poor sleep use relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga, as effective ways to unwind and put their mind and body in a relaxed state,” said Stransky. “It’s important to adopt similar bedtime habits.”
“If yoga or meditation aren’t for you, even reading a book in a dimly lit area is a calming activity that will allow your body and mind to unwind,” he continued. “Alongside this, ensuring your bedroom environment is quiet, cool and dark is the best sleep practice, along with making sure your mattress and pillow are comfortable.”
When does daylight saving time end in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time on Nov. 1, 2026. At that time, clocks will be turned back one hour to 1 a.m., giving most Americans an extra hour of sleep
The return to standard time also means earlier sunsets throughout November, December and much of January as daylight hours continue shrinking heading into winter
Daylight saving time began March 8, 2026. The next time clocks spring forward will be March 14, 2027
What does it mean to fall back, spring forward? Will we lose, or gain an hour?
When daylight saving time ends in the fall, clocks are turned back one hour, a change often remembered with the phrase “fall back.” The shift gives most Americans an extra hour of sleep
The companion phrase, “spring forward,” refers to the March time change, when clocks move ahead one hour and people lose an hour of sleep
When will Tennessee turn clocks back? What happened to the Sunshine Protection Act?
Tennessee, like the rest of the country, is set to continue the practice of falling back when daylight saving time comes to a close Nov. 1
In 2019, Governor Bill Lee signed a trigger law that would enact permanent daylight saving time in Tennessee if Congress gives federal approval. The change would also require certification by the Tennessee General Assembly before taking effect
Tennessee is already on daylight saving time from the beginning of March to the beginning of November. Permanent daylight saving time would only change times for about four months out of the year
Despite gaining traction earlier this year in Congress and receiving support from President Donald Trump, the Sunshine Protection Act has stalled and continues toface opposition from some GOP leaders
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com
