Winter time begins on Oct 26, 2025, with clocks set back, affecting sleep patterns, especially in children. Experts advise gradual adjustments to help them adapt.
Winter time switch date announced
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, clocks will be set back by one hour to mark the switch to winter time, making 3 o'clock become 2 o'clock. This change happens twice a year, with the other transition occurring at the end of March when switching to daylight saving time.Impact on sleep patterns
The time change can cause people to gain or lose an hour of sleep during the night. While this shift has minimal impact on daily life, it can affect children and babies differently, especially in terms of their sleep and behavior.Effects on young children
Children aged 3 to 7 years are particularly affected by the time change, as it can disrupt their sleep patterns, leading to early awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and changes in appetite. These disruptions can also affect their behavior in class and concentration levels.Helping children adapt
Experts recommend gradually adjusting meal, nap, and bedtime times by 10 to 15 minutes each day, starting one week before the change. Preserving the sleep routine is essential, including avoiding intense physical activity before bedtime, adjusting room brightness, and limiting screen time before sleep. For children who are athletic, avoiding intense exercises within three hours of bedtime is advised.Impact on babies
For babies under 6 months, the impact of the time change is negligible, as their circadian rhythms are not yet fully developed. However, for older babies and children, the shift in daily routines can cause temporary disturbances. To help them adapt, parents are advised to gradually shift meal and sleep times, avoid rigid schedules, and increase morning light exposure to simulate sunrise.Time change history in France
The practice of changing time in France began in 1975, and since 2002, it has been implemented throughout the European Union. The primary reason for the time change was to save energy by aligning activity hours with daylight hours, a measure introduced during the 1974 oil crisis.Controversy over time change
However, the benefits of this practice have been widely contested, with discussions about abolishing it within the European Union due to advancements in low-energy lighting and the minimal impact of the time shift. Some studies suggest that the energy savings are no longer significant, and the disruptions to sleep and daily life may outweigh any benefits.
