Polish Scientist Advocates for Permanent Winter Time to Boost Health by Eliminating Clock Changes

A Polish scientist, Patrycja Ściślewska, has raised significant concerns regarding the biannual clock changes. She stated that altering the clocks “temporarily desynchronizes” the body’s internal rhythms. This shift can leave individuals feeling unwell for several days, akin to experiencing mild jet lag. The observed effects stem from the mismatch between the brain’s master clock and the peripheral clocks in various organs, which adapt at different rates.

Health Advocacy for Permanent Winter Time

Ściślewska, in an interview with the Polish Press Agency (PAP), highlighted that moving clocks twice a year could negatively impact health. Research from Stanford Medicine supports her claims, indicating that eliminating these seasonal adjustments could lead to health improvements. Potential benefits include:

• Fewer strokes
• Lower obesity rates

The Role of Morning Light

According to Ściślewska, exposure to morning light is crucial for re-synchronizing the body’s internal clock after a time change. Natural daylight can reach intensities of tens of thousands of lux, with blue wavelengths around 480 nm. This quality of light is far more effective in resetting the biological clock than typical indoor lighting.

Public Opinion on Time Changes

Recent public consultations within the European Union showed a strong preference for ending seasonal clock shifts. In Poland, approximately 75% of respondents expressed support for adopting a permanent summer time. However, Ściślewska cautioned against this choice, suggesting that biologically, maintaining winter time is preferable.

Consequences of Permanent Summer Time

She pointed out that keeping summer time year-round would lead to very late sunrises in winter. This change would result in many people starting work or school in darkness, which could misalign their biological clocks with the natural light cycle.

Upcoming Time Change

Poland will transition its clocks back from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m. on the night of October 25–26. This change provides an extra hour of sleep, and the country is set to revert to summer time on the last weekend of March. As debates continue, experts like Ściślewska advocate for a deeper examination of the impacts of clock changes on health.