On Sunday, March 29, Europeans will set their clocks forward by one hour, which means most people will get less sleep. This change, which occurs twice a year, may seem simple, but health experts warn that it has significant effects on human health, especially in spring.
Historically, the time change was introduced as a means to save energy during World War I and was reapplied in many countries in the 1970s. However, current research indicates that this change can cause disruptions in the body's biological rhythm, affecting sleep and mood.
Details of the Event
Researchers confirm that changing the time by one hour can lead to disturbances in the biological clock, the internal system that regulates sleep, wakefulness, and hormone production. Dr. Jeffrey Keel, a researcher in biological rhythms at King's College London, explained that most people can adapt to this change within a week, but some may struggle to adjust, taking weeks or even months.
The time change is also associated with an increase in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and depression episodes. Although people welcome this change as it extends evening daylight hours, exposure to light late in the day can prevent the body from preparing for sleep.
Context and Background
In recent years, there have been numerous attempts to abolish the time change in Europe. In 2018, the European Commission proposed eliminating seasonal changes after a public consultation showed that 84% of participants preferred to abolish it. However, member states have not reached a consensus on this proposal, leading to its stagnation in the European Council.
If the time change is abolished, the question remains: which time should we adhere to? Scientists suggest sticking to standard time, or winter time, as morning light is considered essential for many daily activities.
Consequences and Impact
Research shows that disruptions in the biological clock can lead to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. A recent study also found a correlation between weak biological rhythms and dementia.
Exposure to artificial light in offices may also affect the body's ability to adapt to time changes, increasing the importance of natural light exposure, especially in winter when daylight hours are short.
Impact on the Arab Region
Although Arab countries do not follow the time change system in the same way, the effects of biological rhythms on health remain significant. Many Arab countries face health issues related to fast-paced lifestyles and changes in sleep hours.
These health issues are closely related to Arab communities, where lifestyle changes can exacerbate health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about the effects of sleep and biological rhythms on public health.