Winter time transition date set

In France and across Europe, the next transition to winter time will occur during the night of Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. This change allows individuals to gain an hour of sleep, though it also results in earlier darkness, with daylight ending by 5 p.m.

Debate over permanent summer time

Each autumn, the question arises of whether to maintain summer time year-round to extend daylight hours. A study published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) challenges the support for permanent summer time. While scientists agree on the need to eliminate the biannual time change, which disrupts biological clocks, sleep, and leads to increased accident rates, the choice of a fixed time remains contentious among politicians.

Support for summer time

Permanent summer time is favored by merchants, as later sunsets encourage more outdoor activity, shopping, and social interactions. However, scientists highlight the negative impact of permanent summer time on morning routines. Adopting summer time during winter forces millions of workers and students to wake up and commute in freezing darkness.

Effects on health and well-being

The human biological clock relies on morning light to synchronize with daily activities. Depriving individuals of morning light exacerbates "social jet lag," a condition where biological rhythms are misaligned with societal schedules. The consequences of this misalignment include increased fatigue, reduced school performance, and a higher incidence of seasonal depression.

Geographical health impacts

Geographical data indicate that populations on the western edge of time zones, where sunrise occurs later, experience higher rates of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. While permanent summer time may appeal to those who enjoy extended daylight for leisure, winter time aligns waking hours with natural sunlight, supporting better sleep and physical health. The transition to winter time, which involves setting clocks back by one hour on the last Sunday of October, accepts the earlier onset of night but ensures morning light for biological synchronization.