Daylight Saving Time: How Clocks Shift from Saturday to Sunday

Time Change Weekend: Goodbye Daylight Saving Time

The weekend of the time change has arrived.
In the night between Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, clocks will shift to say goodbye to Daylight Saving Time and welcome Standard Time.
This transition occurs every year, and many people wish to abolish it.
Standard Time will remain in effect until March 30, 2025, when the clocks will be adjusted once again.

How to Adjust the Clocks for Standard Time 2024

During the night of Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, at 3:00 AM, clocks will move back one hour—from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
This means we will gain an extra hour of sleep, and mornings will see the dawn arrive earlier.
However, it also means that afternoon daylight will be shorter, causing it to get dark sooner.

For internet-connected devices, no manual adjustment is necessary; the transition from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time will happen automatically.
Modern cars will also adjust automatically, while older vehicles may require manual adjustments.
The same applies to wall clocks.
The change takes place overnight to minimize disruptions, especially in transportation, as fewer trains and flights operate during late night hours.

Health Implications of the Time Change

The act of changing the clocks can have notable health repercussions.
It disrupts the circadian rhythm—our biological clock—which can lead to changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
A study from Stockholm University indicated a 4% increase in heart attacks in the week following the shift to Standard Time.

The impact on sleep can contribute to decreased concentration and mood, affecting school performance, work efficiency, and personal relationships.
For these reasons, many are advocating for the elimination of clock changes.
An online petition has already gathered signatures from 350,000 Italians calling for the discontinuation of the time shift and the adoption of permanent Daylight Saving Time.

“We urge the Meloni government to commit to permanently abandoning Standard Time, adopting Daylight Saving Time year-round.
The European Union has provided possibilities for this, having approved a directive in 2019 allowing member states significant discretion,” stated Luigi Gabriele, president of Consumerismo.

Despite attempts at a community agreement to abolish Standard Time, little progress was made.
The EU ultimately opted for individual choice: each country can decide whether to continue the clock switch or to keep one time year-round.
Currently, there are no intentions in Italy to eliminate Standard Time.

For more information on how Standard Time affects energy bills, check out: [link to in-depth article on energy bills].