Europe is set to transition to winter time during the night of Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25, as announced by the Prime Minister’s services. This change involves moving clocks back by one hour, which means that when the clock reads 3 a.m., it will actually be 2 a.m. This shift allows people to effectively "gain" an hour of sleep during the night. The time change occurs annually in October, specifically on the last Sunday of the month, and the return to daylight saving time takes place on the last Sunday in March.
The practice of adjusting clocks was first introduced in 1975 during the oil crisis to conserve energy. By moving the clock back one hour, more natural light is available in the evening, reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, the practice has become increasingly controversial in recent years. Critics, including medical professionals, argue that the time change disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm and can negatively impact health, leading to issues such as sleep disturbances and increased fatigue.
In early 2019, an online consultation received over two million responses, with 83.74% of participants supporting the end of seasonal time changes, according to Le Monde. The European Commission had previously decided to abolish the practice, with the change expected to take effect in 2021. However, the implementation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the complexities of Brexit. As of now, there have been no further updates or decisions on the matter, leaving the future of the time change policy uncertain.
European Time Change Date Set for October 24-25, 2023
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
europetime-changewinter-timeenergy-crisishealth-impactseasonal-time



