Daylight Saving Time 2025 • The Benefits, Impacts, and Challenges of Changing the Clock

(haipo) – Daylight Saving Time will go into effect towards the end of this month (March 2025), and in the meantime – a little about the considerations behind the move in which we regularly change the clocks twice a year – about its advantages, which many may not be aware of, about the disadvantages, and also about the challenges it sometimes poses to us.

Moving the clock forward one hour and switching to daylight saving time are done for practical reasons, primarily to maximize the use of daylight hours, which helps reduce energy consumption. However, many of us experience feelings of fatigue and discomfort reminiscent of jet lag in the first few days after the change, even though it is only a one-hour change.

In Israel, the transition to daylight saving time takes place at the end of March, at the same time as most European countries (in fact, except for England). In the US, on the other hand, the clock changes at the beginning of March.
Israeli daylight saving time lasts seven months, until the end of October, while in Europe it lasts five months and in the US it lasts eight months.

Economic and social impacts

In countries where daylight hours extend into the evening, there is an increase in economic and social activity. The extra time is used for going out to cafes, shopping, entertainment and events, which increases trade turnover and helps businesses. In addition, natural lighting reduces electricity consumption and leads to significant energy savings.

In general, more daylight hours have a positive effect on mood, increase physical activity levels, contribute to mental health, and encourage social interactions. However, the industries affected by the change are diverse: sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and construction benefit from the transition, while industries such as electric lighting may be affected.

The health effects of switching to daylight saving time

Despite the benefits, the transition to daylight saving time may cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even an increased risk of traffic accidents, especially in the first few days after the change. Children and infants have difficulty adjusting to the new routine, which may cause irritability and lack of cooperation.

How to make the transition to daylight saving time easier?

• Gradual adaptation – For a week before the transition, it is recommended to go to bed and wake up a little earlier each day.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening – stimulating drinks may make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Staying in natural light – going out into the sunlight helps reset the biological clock.
• Maintaining a regular routine – adhering to regular sleep hours will make acclimatization easier.
• Adjusting children's sleep hours gradually - move their bedtime and wake-up times in small increments to prevent overtiredness.

Is daylight saving time necessary?

There are ongoing discussions around the world about the need for daylight saving time, as some countries have abolished it completely, due to the health effects and logistical complexity.

In Israel, as of today, it appears that daylight saving time continues to be part of the annual reality, with an aim to maximize its advantages and minimize its disadvantages.

Despite the initial difficulty, you can turn the transition to daylight saving time into an opportunity and take advantage of the extra hours of daylight for more enjoyable and healthier activities. With a little adjustment, you can definitely make the most of daylight saving time.