Health Risks and Adaptations Linked to October Daylight Saving Time Change in Spain
The October ending of daylight saving time in Spain disrupts circadian rhythms and sleep, increasing health risks like stress and stroke, fueling debate on time change abolition.
- • October time change disrupts circadian rhythms affecting sleep and mood.
- • The autumn change is less disruptive than spring but still raises stress, especially in women.
- • Long-term risks include increased stroke and obesity likelihood.
- • There is ongoing debate about replacing daylight saving time with permanent standard time in Spain.
Key details
Each year, the October shift back from daylight saving time grants many an extra hour of sleep but disrupts the body's circadian rhythm, impacting sleep, mood, and overall health. According to psychiatry professor Timo Partonen, the circadian clock adapts better to the autumn change compared to spring, yet sleep quality can still suffer. Research highlighted by Euronews reveals that while the fall change is generally less harmful than the spring forward shift, it still elevates stress and anxiety levels in women and may have broader health implications such as increased risks for stroke and obesity over time.
Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining consistent sleep patterns to mitigate these effects and recommend using the added hour for adequate rest. The ongoing debate about abolishing daylight saving time in favor of permanent standard time, supported by Spain's President Pedro Sánchez, reflects growing concern over the biannual disruptions to health. However, the European Union has yet to reach consensus on this issue.
This evidence underscores the subtle yet significant health consequences of the October time change for Spanish residents and reinforces calls for policy reconsideration alongside personal health precautions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.