When March arrives, many people share the same saying: “At two you will be three.” It means clocks will move forward one hour to match daylight saving time, giving us more daylight to enjoy the sun day after day. As these dates approach, some folks are eager to use every last ray of light, while others prefer to keep the schedule that fits them best.
Now, the Official State Bulletin has spoken about the upcoming clock change and how it should be carried out. This could be one of the last times clocks are set forward or back, as there is talk of keeping a fixed time throughout the year from Brussels.
What is the clock change?
The clock change is a practice that involves advancing clocks by one hour in spring and setting them back in autumn. The goal is to make better use of natural daylight, extending evenings and shortening mornings. The change was introduced to save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting. Yet the effectiveness of this measure remains debated, with studies questioning its real impact on energy savings.
This adjustment can affect our bodies by disturbing the circadian rhythm, which may cause difficulties in falling asleep or waking up, along with a sense of fatigue and confusion during the first days. Despite these issues, many prefer the clock change to see more light in the early hours of winter and to lengthen the day in summer.
The clock change may be ending soon
In 2018, the European Union proposed permanently ending the clock change starting in 2021. The final decision was postponed and has not been concrete yet. Member countries must decide whether to keep daylight saving time or standard time permanently. In Spain, the clock change still occurs twice a year:
– At the end of March, on the last Sunday of the month, clocks move from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.
– At the end of October, on the last Sunday of the month, clocks move from 3:00 a.m. back to 2:00 a.m.
The State Bulletin set the dates for the upcoming time changes through 2026. At this time, no modification is planned, though there is talk of a fixed time for good based on recommendations from sleep science organizations.
This organization warns about health risks from these changes. Shifting the internal clock and causing misalignment can lead to insufficient, disorganized, and poor quality sleep, potentially contributing to obesity, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, depression, or anxiety.
For now, it is important to note these dates:
Summer time
– 2024: Sunday, March 31
– 2025: Sunday, March 30
– 2026: Sunday, March 29
Winter time
– 2024: Sunday, October 27
– 2025: Sunday, October 26
– 2026: Sunday, October 25
The clock changes are scheduled through 2026, and discussions about a permanent time continue as researchers and policymakers weigh the health and economic implications. Citations: sleep science research organizations, energy policy analyses, and regional government notices.