Ukrainians will set their clocks back to winter time on the night of Saturday to Sunday, October 26, although many countries have already abandoned this practice. Over the last ten years, the geography of clock changes has significantly shrunk. Previously, half of the countries on the planet used this system, but now only a third do.
In Ukraine, the transition to winter time is scheduled for October 26 at 4:00 a.m. - clocks will be set back one hour. Despite the fact that in 2024 the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill to abolish seasonal time changes, the document has not been signed by the president, so the tradition remains.
Why changing clocks can be dangerous
- Disruption of biological rhythms
Changing the time disrupts the body's circadian rhythms - the natural cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Experts note that light is the main regulator of the internal clock. Morning light stimulates the production of hormones that control stress levels, blood sugar, and the feeling of satiety.
- Traffic accidents
Research shows contradictory data: the transition to winter time could reduce the number of accidents due to an extra hour of sleep, whereas the spring transition increases the likelihood of traffic accidents by 8% due to driver sleep deprivation.
- Cardiovascular system
Medical data shows that transitioning to winter time reduces the risk of heart attacks by about 10%, while the spring change increases it by the same percentage.
What the world decides
In Europe, the issue of abolishing seasonal transitions has been under discussion since 2018. The European Commission proposed abandoning the practice, the European Parliament supported the initiative, but the Council of the EU has yet to make a final decision. Some countries, including Sweden, are awaiting a European-wide verdict.
In the USA, Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Sunshine Protection Act in March 2023 to implement permanent daylight saving time. The Senate approved the document, but the House of Representatives blocked its advance.
Ukraine, like many other countries, continues to adhere to the system of transitioning to winter and summer time. Although there are already proposals to abolish this mandatory process, Ukrainians will set their clocks back one hour on the night of October 26.