The hour back: How to use the time you have gained wisely!

The hour back: How to use the time you have gained wisely!

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the time in Germany will change from summer to winter time. At 3 a.m. the clocks go back to 2 a.m. This change marks the beginning of standard time, and for many people this could be a valuable hour that needs to be put to good use. The discussion raises the question: What do you do with this saved time?

Some people believe that an hour well spent can be life-changing, while others may simply allow themselves to sleep a little longer or enjoy a relaxing morning. Loud Rhine newspaper Time is increasingly viewed as precious in today's fast-paced world.

Health effects of the time change

The time change not only creates a new rhythm in everyday life, but also has health implications. Chronobiologists warn that the constant change between summer and standard time disrupts the natural rhythms of many people. One Study from the USA supports these concerns and shows that the time change can have negative health effects.

Previous studies in Germany have shown that heart attack rates and the number of work and traffic accidents increase after the switch to daylight saving time. According to these explanations, returning to normal time could be healthier - the health effects are less pronounced when switching to winter time. Albrecht Vorster, a renowned sleep researcher, reports increased hospital admissions in the days after the daylight saving time change.

Advantages of winter time and European perspectives

But there are also positive aspects of winter. Central European Time ensures that the highest position of the sun coincides with midday, which supports the natural rhythm. Researchers at Stanford University have even found that sustained standard time could reduce the incidence of obesity and stroke.

Although the EU has decided to abolish the time change, there is still no agreement as to whether summer or winter time should be retained permanently. Countries like Spain could face later sunrises with permanent daylight saving time, while others, like Poland, would see days start earlier. The chronobiologist Till Rönneberg emphasizes that biological time is based on sunlight and that the time change is therefore harmful to health.

For many people, daylight saving time is a popular concept due to the longer days, even though the health disadvantages are well known. After switching to winter time, it is recommended to spend a lot of time outdoors to better adapt to the new rhythm.