Poland Prepares For Daylight Saving Time Transition In 2025

As spring approaches, millions in Poland prepare for the annual transition to summer time, which will occur on the night of March 29 to March 30, 2025. Clocks will spring forward at 2:00 AM, shifting to 3:00 AM, marking a loss of one hour of sleep for many but promising longer, brighter days.

The tradition of changing time isn’t new; Poland first adopted this practice in 1919 after the period of World War I, adjusting clocks multiple times in the following decades. The change became permanent in 1977, and since then, it has been mandated that the switch between winter and summer time occurs twice each year. Despite its long history, the shift has prompted debate on its efficacy and impact on health.

Notably, the European Union has been considering the abolition of this practice. Public consultations conducted in 2018 revealed that 84 percent of respondents favored eliminating the biannual clock adjustments. However, despite these widespread sentiments, concrete policy changes remain stalled. In October 2024, Polish officials declared intentions to maintain summer time permanently after the change in March 2025, but no definitive steps have been solidified.

The changes to summer time are not merely about clock adjustments; they affect daily routines, especially for those in shift work. Workers may find their pay impacted as they lose an hour, a reality that raises questions about workplace rights and labor conditions.

Health professionals caution that these abrupt changes can lead to “mini-jet lag,” a condition marked by fatigue and irritability as people struggle to acclimatize to new schedules. Research has indicated that such transitions might even trigger an uptick in health crises among vulnerable populations, particularly in the weeks following the switch to summer time. For instance, studies show a 5% rise in heart attack cases after the transition.

Benjamin Franklin first proposed the idea of daylight saving time in 1784, humorously suggesting earlier waking hours to save daylight. However, the concept did not gain serious traction until the early 20th century, when William Willett advocated for the practice in Great Britain. It was not until Germany officially implemented the time change on April 30, 1916, during World War I, that the idea began to capture attention across Europe and North America.

Interestingly, while many countries have continued to embrace summer time, some have opted out, citing various reasons for their decision. Nations like Belarus, Iceland, and Russia have abolished the practice altogether, raising questions of whether Poland might follow suit in the near future.

The ongoing debate on time change includes various perspectives. Although proponents argue it maximizes energy efficiency by utilizing daylight, detractors highlight negative health impacts and logistical challenges. Adjustments to business schedules and the cost of changing clocks twice yearly also raise eyebrows.

The change in Poland will usher in summer time until October 26, 2025, when the clocks will be turned back once more, reinstating winter time. Many people continue to prefer the longer daylight hours provided by summer time, appreciating the extended evenings to be spent outdoors.

In light of these changes, many Poles are encouraged to prepare for the transition. Sudden changes in body rhythm can lead to issues like fatigue and diminished concentration, further complications brought on by shifting work schedules. It is essential to ease into the new routine by gradually adjusting sleep times ahead of the clock change.

Amid these discussions, the responsibility for maintaining time regulations falls to the President of the Main Office of Measures, who ensures that Poland's official time aligns with international standards. Reports indicate that as of 2026, the European Commission may resume discussions on the future of time changes within member states, a decision that could have lasting implications for millions.

As the time to change approaches, discussions on the efficacy and necessity of daylight saving time heat up once more, leaving many to ponder what the future holds for this traditional practice.