The impact of the time change on our lives
Introduction
The time change is an event that occurs twice a year in many countries around the world.
In March, we set our clocks forward one hour to make the most of the daylight. daylight saving time, and in October, we return to winter time.
Although it may seem like a minor disruption, the time change can have significant effects on our health, productivity and well-being.
This Saturday, 26 October 2024, we will once again adjust our clocks for winter time, so at 3.00h we will put the clock forward to 2.00h. which means that we will gain an hour of sleep.
However, the effects of the time change go far beyond the additional rest.
In this article, we will explore the impact the time change has on our lives, its history, and how you can take advantage of this adjustment to improve your overall well-being.
1. The history behind the time change
The concept of changing the time to make better use of natural light is not new.
It is attributed to inventor Benjamin Franklin, who first suggested the idea in the 18th century as a way to save candles.
However, it was not until World War I that the time change was formally implemented as a measure to conserve energy.
Since then, summer time and winter time have become common practice in many countries.
Over the years, there have been numerous debates about the benefits and disadvantages of the time change, and some countries have opted to eliminate it altogether.
Why is the time change still used?
Despite the controversy, the time change persists in much of the world because of its ability to maximise the use of sunlight and, in theory, reduce energy consumption.
However, recent studies question these alleged benefits, leading some countries to consider eliminating them.
2. The effects of jet lag on health
The time change can have direct and indirect effects on our health.
Although the change of October is usually easier to cope with because we gain an hour of sleep, the alteration of the biological clock is not without consequences.
The impact on sleep
Our body follows a circadian cycle, an internal biological clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
Changing the time, even if it is to gain an hour of sleep, can temporarily disrupt this cycle, leading to problems such as insomnia, daytime sleepiness and reduced sleep quality.
Mental health effects
Some studies have shown that the time change can have an impact on mental health, especially in people who are already prone to depression or anxiety.
The October change, in particular, marks the onset of shorter days and less sunlight, which may contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Physical health risks
In addition to affecting sleep and mood, the time change has also been linked to increased risks of traffic accidents, heart attacks and strokes, especially during the spring adjustment. These risks are usually lower during the autumn change, but should not be underestimated.
3. Benefits of the autumn time change
Despite the negative effects the time change can have, there are also potential benefits, especially during the autumn adjustment.
More rest time
The change to winter time offers us an extra hour of sleep, which can have immediate benefits for our health if we take advantage of this extra time to rest.
Getting more sleep improves cognitive function, boosts the immune system and helps reduce stress.
Making the most of natural light
During the winter months, mornings will be brighter, which can help reduce the feeling of fatigue when waking up.
Taking advantage of this natural light can improve our mood and make us feel more alert and productive during the day.
4. Tips for adapting to the time change
Adjusting to the time change can be difficult for some people, especially those with fixed schedules or very structured routines.
Here are some practical tips to make the transition easier:
1. Adjust your sleep schedule gradually
Start going to bed and getting up 10-15 minutes later each day during the week before the time change.
This will help your body adjust more naturally to the new schedule.
2. Take advantage of natural light
Go outdoors during the early hours of the day to make the most of the sunlight.
This will help regulate your circadian cycle and improve your mood.
3. Maintain a consistent routine
Try to keep a daily routine, especially when it comes to meals and exercise. This will help your body adapt more easily to the new schedule.
4. Avoid long naps
While it may be tempting to take advantage of the extra hour of sleep to take a nap, try to limit it to 20-30 minutes.
Sleeping too much during the day can hinder your ability to sleep at night.
5. Impact of time shift on productivity
The time change affects not only our health, but also our productivity.
Although gaining an hour of sleep seems positive, some studies suggest that the disruption of the biological clock may reduce productivity in the days following the time change.
Workplace productivity
Adjustment to winter time can cause a decrease in attention and focus in the first few days after the change. This is especially problematic in professions that require a high level of concentration, such as medicine or engineering.
How to mitigate the impact
To minimise loss of productivity, it is important to plan ahead. Try to organise your most important tasks for the times of the day when you feel most alert and productive, and avoid overloading your schedule in the days immediately after the time change.
6. The future of the time change: Will it still exist in 2024?
The time change has been a topic of debate in many countries.
In the European Union, for example, there have been discussions on the possibility of eliminating the time change altogether and maintaining a fixed time throughout the year.
Although the proposal has been postponed, many believe that the days of the timetable change could be numbered.
Why eliminate the time change?
Arguments for eliminating the time shift include potential health benefits, reduced traffic accidents and improved productivity.
Moreover, many recent studies suggest that the energy savings that initially motivated the time change are now minimal.
Possible scenarios for the future
If it is decided to eliminate the time change, countries will have to choose between keeping daylight saving time or winter time permanently.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the decision will depend largely on local preferences and geographical latitude.
Conclusion
The time change is an event that, although seemingly routine, has profound effects on our health, productivity and well-being.
Taking advantage of this transition to adjust our routines, improve our sleep habits and maximise the use of natural light can help us to better adapt to this change.
