On March 30 at 3:00 a.m., Ukraine will traditionally switch to daylight saving time. This means that the clocks need to be moved forward one hour. Although the procedure seems familiar, it causes a lot of debate and can affect people's health.
How and why are clocks changed in Ukraine?
The transition to summer and winter time in Ukraine is regulated by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 509 of May 13, 1996. According to the document, every year on the last Sunday of March, clocks are set forward one hour, and on the last Sunday of October, clocks are set back one hour.
This practice has been in effect in Ukraine since 1981 and is explained by economic expediency: the transition to daylight saving time allows for more efficient use of daylight. However, the effectiveness of this measure in modern conditions is increasingly being questioned.
Are there plans to cancel daylight saving time in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of canceling the transition to summer and winter time. In particular, in 2021, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a corresponding bill in the first reading, but as a result it never came into force. In 2024, the parliament adopted a new law on the cancellation of the clock change, but President Volodymyr Zelensky has not yet signed it.
Thus, today the traditional system of seasonal time adjustment continues to operate in Ukraine.
Health effects: what do doctors say?
Doctors and scientists have repeatedly emphasized the negative consequences of changing the clocks. According to somnologist Daria Pylypenko, the human body cannot fully adapt to changes in biological rhythms.
“The transition to daylight saving time is stressful for the body, as sleep patterns are disrupted. This can cause increased anxiety, decreased concentration, and a general deterioration in well-being,” the expert notes.
Studies show that in the first days after the transition to daylight saving time, the number of cardiovascular diseases, depressive states, as well as traffic accidents due to driver fatigue increases.
How to adapt to daylight saving time more easily?
To minimize the negative impact of changing the clocks, doctors recommend:
- A few days before the transition to daylight saving time, gradually shift your bedtime 15-20 minutes earlier.
- Stick to a sleep schedule and wake up at the same time.
- Spend more time outdoors and get natural light.
- Avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bed.
Despite numerous discussions about the advisability of changing the clocks, Ukraine has so far retained this tradition. However, given the possible health risks, citizens should take care of gradual adaptation to the new schedule. Whether seasonal time changes will be canceled in the future depends on the decisions of the authorities, but for now, Ukrainians should prepare for the new regime tonight.
