Winter time begins: set the clocks back, sleep problems threaten!

Winter time begins: set the clocks back, sleep problems threaten!

On the night of Sunday, October 26th, winter time begins in Germany and many other European countries. Clocks are reset from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., extending the night to 25 hours. According to the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), this change not only results in more sleep for many people, but is also referred to as “2A” and “2B” to denote the extra hour. Central European Time (CET) and winter time apply until March 29, 2026. Radiobielefeld reports.

But there are more and more discussions in society about the usefulness of the time change. Since 1980, Germany has switched between summer and winter time. A third of Germans say they are suffering from health problems associated with the change. Women are particularly affected here, as a recent survey shows. Fatigue, concentration problems and sleep disorders are common complaints that occur due to this. The world highlights that 76% of Germans want the time change to be abolished.

A “little jet lag”

The change to winter time is often compared to a “little jet lag,” as sleep expert Hans-Günter Weeß describes. This means that the body has difficulty adjusting to the new time. The quality of sleep suffers, which can have a negative impact on the immune system. A lack of sleep weakens the immune system and puts a long-term strain on your health. The advantages of winter, such as earlier daylight in the morning and darker rooms in the evening, fit better with people's natural sleep-wake rhythm. Euronews reports.

In addition, the PTB states that the time change can lead to problems not only on a small scale, but also on a health level. Studies show that around 25% more patients with heart problems can be expected in the days following the change to daylight saving time. These problems are due to the psychological and physical stress caused by sleep disorders.

A look beyond the borders

Internationally, we are increasingly hearing voices calling for the time change to be abolished. In Spain, for example, there are efforts to abolish the change. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasizes that he no longer sees any point in this annual procedure. There have been similar initiatives in other EU countries in recent years, but a common solution still seems to be a long way off. Radio Bielefeld and The world show that there is a lack of uniform regulation.

The coming hours until the clocks change offer a final moment to prepare for winter time. It remains to be seen whether the time change will remain in place in the long term or whether we will soon find a permanent solution.