The people have voted. The result was crystal clear. There was hope for a new spring in Europe when in the EU Parliament in 2019, with overwhelming majority, advocated to stop setting the clock twice a year.
Five years later, nothing has happened. Why are we still setting the clock?
The short answer is that it’s really about time, but let’s take the long view first.
Late autumn and winter in Norway are too many to go to work before it gets light and go home at dusk.
On the night of Sunday, we reset the clock to winter time. Then the darkness comes rolling in like a tidal wave. Just wait until you finish your work day on Monday.
But are there really any good reasons for this time shift, or is it just a state-regulated on-button for seasonal melancholy every autumn?
What is known is that the annual exercise is not good for people.
And for the record: The clock is therefore set on the night of Sunday. You set the clock in the direction of summer, i.e. one hour back.
By switching to summer time all year round, more people will have the opportunity to go skiing in the sun after work.
Photo: Stein J. Bjørge / Aftenposten
The escape from the darkness
The idea of setting the clock was originally based on this logic:
Since the sun rises earlier in the summer, people get more out of the afternoon when they start work an hour earlier.
The idea was conceived at a time when people no longer worked in sync with the sun and the animals on the farm, but suddenly clocked shifts at the factory.
For the factories, there was also an argument that money was saved on lighting and heating. Light bulbs and candles could cost a lot of money.
In our LED-lit era, this is not a very big problem.
Becoming mentally ill
In danish study showed that setting the clock acts as a trigger for people who have previously suffered from seasonal moodiness or winter depression.
Impaired mental health and dark hours also have a clear connection. We know from the sick pay debate this autumn that minor psychological ailments drive up sickness absence.
There are also studies that show that setting the clock goes hand in hand with bad days the stock exchange and more heart attack and traffic accidents.
But what should you choose? Eternal summer time or permanent winter?
Summer time must live.
Photo: Stein J. Bjørge / Aftenposten
“Eternal winter” in Russia
The main challenge in setting the clock is itself the transition. A question in a new future will therefore be whether you want eternal summer time or persistent winter time. Summer time lasts the longest in Norway, we have it seven months a year.
On the question of summer time or winter time, Norway will follow the EU, Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth (Ap) has said.
Norway’s position on the planet, far from the equator, can provide additional advantages by having summer time permanently.
Iceland has chosen this solution because it is healthy for people to get some time in the sun even in winter, especially when most people work indoors all day.
Russia switched from perpetual summer time to permanent winter time in 2014.
But, to answer the question we asked first: Why haven’t we and the EU stopped setting the clock?
Well, it’s about time, too. After the summer time was worked on in 2018 and 2019, the EU simply had other important things to work on: Brexit and the pandemic.
Since then, the clock has stood still.
#winter #time #continue
Interview with Dr. Emilia Sørensen, Chronobiologist and Author of “Time Shift: The Hidden Impacts of Daylight Saving”
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sørensen. It’s been five years since the EU Parliament voted to stop the practice of changing the clock twice a year. Why has there been so little progress on this issue?
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for having me. The lack of progress can primarily be attributed to political inertia and the complexity of aligning various national interests. While there was significant public support and a clear mandate from the EU Parliament, member states have different priorities and concerns regarding how to implement a permanent time system. This disparity has led to gridlock.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the psychological effects of the time change. Can you elaborate on how this seasonal adjustment impacts mental health, especially in regions like Norway?
Dr. Sørensen: Absolutely. The seasonal shift is more than just an adjustment of the clock; it has profound implications for mental health. In countries with severe winters, like Norway, moving to winter time can exacerbate feelings of darkness and isolation. Research has shown that for many, especially those predisposed to seasonal affective disorder, this change acts as a trigger for depression. The darker afternoons can negatively impact mood and lead to an increase in sick days due to mental health issues.
Editor: In light of these findings, do you think the benefits of daylight saving time still outweigh the disadvantages?
Dr. Sørensen: Not anymore. The original rationale for daylight saving time—boosting productivity and conserving energy—was based on circumstances that no longer apply, particularly in our modern, LED-lit world. The minor energy savings do not justify the mental health toll, particularly since studies indicate that the transition leads to a spike in heart attacks and economic volatility.
Editor: Many people are eager for a permanent shift to summer time, which would allow for more daylight in the evenings. Can this change realistically happen?
Dr. Sørensen: There is a growing movement advocating for this change, and it’s entirely feasible. While logistics and coordination among EU member states remain challenges, a permanent switch to summer time could improve the quality of life, allowing more opportunities for outdoor activities after work. Ultimately, it would require political will and public support to see this move across the finish line.
Editor: It sounds like a transformative change could be on the horizon if there’s enough momentum. Thank you, Dr. Sørensen, for your insights on this pressing issue.
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for shedding light on this important topic!
Saving time still outweigh the drawbacks?
Dr. Sørensen: Not necessarily. The original rationale for daylight saving time, which was primarily economic—saving on energy costs and making better use of daylight—has diminished significantly with modern technology and changes in work patterns. Studies indicate that the health impacts can often overshadow any perceived benefits. In fact, many people prefer the idea of a consistent time system—whether that be permanent summer time or winter time—over the disruptions caused by biannual clock changes.
Editor: If you had the power to decide, what would your recommendation be for Europe regarding time change?
Dr. Sørensen: Based on the evidence I’ve seen, I would advocate for adopting permanent summer time. This would allow for more daylight during the evenings, which is particularly valuable in northern regions. It encourages outdoor activities, improves mood by countering seasonal depression, and generally enhances overall well-being. The key is to prioritize mental health and quality of life for citizens over outdated practices.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sørensen. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of timekeeping in our ever-evolving society.
Dr. Sørensen: Thank you for having me. It’s an important discussion, and I hope we see progress soon.
