Residents of Bielsko-Biała and the surrounding areas should prepare for a significant change this weekend as the time shifts from winter to summer. On the night of Saturday, March 29, to Sunday, March 30, 2025, clocks will move forward one hour at 2:00 AM, which means they will read 3:00 AM. This change will result in one less hour of sleep but will extend the daylight hours in the evening, providing more time for outdoor activities.
According to local sources, this practice of changing the clocks is not new. The concept of daylight saving time was first introduced in Canada in 1908, and Poland adopted it during World War I in 1916. Since then, the regulations surrounding this time change have undergone numerous modifications, particularly during periods of conflict. After World War II, the practice was intermittently observed until it was permanently established in Poland in 1977.
As the clocks spring forward, it’s important for residents to remember to adjust their timepieces accordingly. While most electronic devices will automatically update, traditional analog clocks will require manual adjustments. This annual change has been a topic of debate, with many expressing mixed feelings about the impact on health and daily routines.
In fact, a survey conducted by CBOS in 2019 revealed that 80 percent of respondents in Poland would prefer to abandon the practice of changing clocks altogether. Critics argue that the shift disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythms, leading to fatigue and concentration issues. Some studies have even suggested an increase in health risks, such as heart attacks and strokes, shortly after the transition to daylight saving time.
Despite these concerns, the rationale behind changing the clocks includes the potential for economic benefits. Longer daylight hours in the evening are believed to boost tourism and reduce electricity consumption by maximizing the use of natural light. However, the European Parliament has been discussing the possibility of abolishing the clock change, a decision that remains unimplemented as of now.
The next change in time will occur on October 26, 2025, when clocks will revert back one hour as the country transitions from summer to winter time. This switch is consistent across all European Union member states, as mandated by Directive 2000/84/EC.
As the date approaches, experts recommend preparing for the change by gradually adjusting sleep schedules in the days leading up to the transition. This can help mitigate some of the negative effects associated with the sudden shift in time. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity and proper sleep hygiene, can aid in adapting to the new schedule.
Ultimately, while the practice of changing time remains controversial, it continues to be a part of life in Poland and across Europe. As residents adjust their clocks this weekend, they will also navigate the broader implications of this tradition on their health and daily lives.
