The clocks will spring forward one hour in the Netherlands tonight as daylight saving time begins. This change, occurring at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, will remain in effect until October 27, 2025, when the nation reverts back to standard time. With this shift, longer days and shorter nights will follow, a seasonal adjustment that many European countries also observe.
Daylight saving time, known in the Netherlands as "zomertijd," has been a topic of debate for years. A proposal to abolish the clock changes gained traction within the European Union, allowing countries to choose whether to remain on summer or winter time. While the European Parliament passed this plan in 2021, the European Council has yet to make a definitive decision.
The Netherlands first adopted daylight saving time in 1916, but suspended it in 1976. The practice was resumed in 1996, with the intention of reducing energy consumption by extending daylight hours. However, studies have shown little evidence supporting the theory that energy savings are realized through this practice. Critics argue that daylight saving time can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and decreased concentration.
On the same day, the UK will also adjust its clocks forward by one hour, marking the beginning of British Summer Time (BST). This adjustment, occurring at 1 a.m. GMT, will allow for longer daylight hours in the evening. In fact, parts of the UK could experience almost 19 hours of daylight by the summer solstice on June 21, 2025.
The history of the clock change dates back to World War I when Germany first implemented daylight saving time to conserve energy. The UK followed suit shortly thereafter, adopting the practice in the same year. Over the decades, the benefits and drawbacks of this time change have been hotly debated. Proponents argue that longer daylight hours can reduce crime rates and traffic accidents, while critics point out potential health risks and disruptions to sleep.
Dr. Jeffrey Kelu, a circadian rhythms expert at King’s College London, notes that there are conflicting studies regarding the benefits of daylight saving time. He states, "I think there are some suggestions that there is less crime because more people are out there in the evening and it is harder to commit crimes. Also, there are fewer traffic accidents because there is more light and people can see the traffic conditions more clearly." However, he warns that the change can cause disruptions to people’s circadian rhythms, leading to health issues.
In the UK, Labour MP Alex Mayer has called for a major overhaul of the time system, suggesting a return to what she calls "Churchill Time"—a system used during World War II where clocks were advanced by two hours in summer and one hour in winter. Mayer argues that this change could save the UK approximately £485 million in annual electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions by over 400,000 tonnes.
The debate surrounding daylight saving time continues, with recent polls indicating that 59% of Britons would prefer to remain permanently on British Summer Time if the current system were abolished. Mayer’s proposal is not the first of its kind; in 2012, a similar attempt by Conservative MP Rebecca Harris to trial a permanent summer time was unsuccessful.
On the other hand, the upcoming clock change may pose challenges for individuals with cognitive difficulties, particularly those with dementia. Care specialist Lee Cartwright warns that the shift can lead to disorientation and disrupt sleep patterns for those affected. He explains, "With the clocks set to go back, bringing longer days and shorter nights, people with dementia may struggle to distinguish between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., leading to increased anxiety and impaired cognitive abilities."
Symptoms such as confusion, sleep disruptions, and difficulty maintaining a routine can be exacerbated by the clock change. To help those affected, Cartwright suggests establishing a consistent daily schedule, encouraging exposure to natural light, and creating a restful sleep environment.
As the clocks move forward, many will welcome the longer evenings and the opportunities they bring. Yet, the ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and implications of daylight saving time remain as relevant as ever, highlighting the complexities of this seemingly simple biannual ritual.
