Gain an Extra Hour of Sleep as Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday October 26
As daylight saving time concludes, residents will enjoy an extra hour of sleep. On the night of October 25-26, clocks will revert to 02:00 from 03:00.
Impact of Daylight Saving Time
This biannual change will remain in effect until March 28-29, 2026, when daylight saving time is reinstated. While many people appreciate the additional hour of sleep, the practice has stirred debate within the European Union regarding its necessity.
Calls for Change
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has recently spoken out against the twice-yearly clock change. He suggested that it is outdated and urged the EU Energy Council to consider abolishing this practice. In March 2019, the European Parliament supported a proposal for member states to choose a single time and adhere to it year-round by spring 2021. However, this initiative stalled as member governments failed to reach an agreement.
Benefits and Concerns
- Nordic Countries: These nations may see benefits from abolishing daylight saving time due to their long summer days and short winter days.
- Southern Countries: In contrast, daylight saving offers evenings with more daylight, promoting energy savings for households and businesses.
Survey Insights
The European Commission’s decision came after a 2018 survey indicated that 84% of participants favored a single time. However, only 4.6 million out of 450 million Europeans participated, with 70% of respondents being German.
Health Implications
Research indicates that changing the clocks twice a year may lead to stress, particularly in northern Europe. Transitioning from daylight saving time to standard time can darken winter days, potentially contributing to seasonal depression.
Conversely, some argue that extending daylight saving time disrupts our internal clocks, which may have adverse effects on health. In October 2024, a letter by 67 MEPs, led by Irish politician Seán Kelly, urged the European Commission to reconsider the biannual clock change. The petition highlighted health risks, including increased heart attack and stroke rates, as well as a rise in road accidents.
The ongoing discussion about daylight saving time and its effects on society and health continues to capture attention across Europe.
