Israel to Switch to Winter Time in October 2026 Amid Health Concerns
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel will switch to winter time on October 25, 2026.
- The change will move the country from UTC+3 to UTC+2.
- Modern devices will likely update automatically; older ones need manual adjustment.
- Critics cite health risks, especially for the elderly and chronically ill.
- Experts advise reduced activity and prioritizing sleep during the transition.
- The energy-saving benefits of the time change remain debated.
Israel will revert to standard time, switching its clocks back one hour from daylight saving time on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 AM. This change will shift the country from UTC+3 to UTC+2. While most modern electronic devices with updated Jerusalem time zones will adjust automatically, older mechanical clocks and some standalone devices will require manual resetting.
The decision to continue with seasonal time changes comes despite ongoing discussions about its potential abolition. Opponents of the practice cite negative health impacts, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic conditions. They argue that the abrupt shift disrupts biological rhythms, leading to fatigue, reduced concentration, appetite and digestive issues, exacerbated cardiovascular problems, and mood swings.
To ease the transition, experts recommend reducing physical activity and avoiding demanding tasks in the initial days following the time change. Prioritizing sleep and maintaining regular circadian rhythms, including adequate melatonin production, are crucial. Recommended bedtimes are by 11:00 PM for adults, 9:00 PM for younger children (between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM), and 10:00 PM for schoolchildren.
The concept of seasonal time adjustment dates back to Benjamin Franklin's 1784 suggestion for conserving candles, but it was first widely implemented by Germany during World War I to optimize resources. However, the actual energy savings achieved through daylight saving time remain a subject of debate among experts.
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