Israel Switches to Winter Time Overnight, Affecting Sleep and Daily Schedules
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel is switching to winter time overnight on October 25th, moving clocks back one hour and gaining an extra hour of sleep. This annual change, governed by law, affects daily schedules and biological rhythms due to altered daylight hours. While most smartphones update automatically, manual adjustments may be needed for some. The debate over year-round daylight saving time continues, with international trends showing a move away from seasonal clock changes.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel switches to winter time overnight, moving clocks back one hour.
- The time change grants an extra hour of sleep for Israelis.
- Most smartphones will automatically adjust to the new time.
- Winter time is linked to increased sleepiness and potential mood changes.
- The debate over year-round daylight saving time persists in Israel and globally.
Israel will transition to winter time overnight between Saturday and Sunday, October 25th. At 2:00 AM, clocks will be set back one hour, granting an extra hour of sleep. This change, mandated by the 2013 Time Determination Law, marks the shift in seasons and earlier sunsets. Winter time will remain in effect until March 26, 2027, when the clocks will move forward for daylight saving time.
Most smartphones will automatically adjust to the new time. For those unsure, manual settings can be updated by selecting "Jerusalem" under local time. The shift back an hour means Israelis will gain an hour of sleep, contrasting with the loss of an hour during the spring transition to daylight saving time.
The change to winter time is associated with biological effects, including increased melatonin levels, which can lead to greater sleepiness and fatigue due to longer periods of darkness. Serotonin levels may also decrease, potentially impacting mood and contributing to feelings of sadness.
Arguments against year-round daylight saving time include reduced quality time for parents with children, increased risk of traffic accidents in darker conditions, and economic costs estimated in the hundreds of millions of shekels. The debate over maintaining seasonal time changes has occurred in Israel multiple times, with the Knesset ultimately deciding to keep the current system.
Internationally, several countries have ceased seasonal clock changes, including most in Asia, Africa, and South America. The U.S. also has proponents for ending the practice, and the European Parliament voted in 2019 to allow member states to choose between permanent standard or daylight saving time.
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